John Sich (abt. 1751 - 1836)

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 24 Jan 1836 at about age 85 in Chiswick, London W4, UK

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Biography

In a deed of Lease and Release (from Sir John Vanhatten) dated 7 August 1771, his father is described as 'a yeoman of West Thurrock'. Thames trade brought him to Chiswick in 1771. In 1773 he went into partnership with Henry Hawes (who was a brewer and malster and who leased the White Lamb from the Woodroffe family) and William Loveman as brewers, malsters, coal merchants and corn chandlers. Loveman died in 1777 and Hawes in 1782. In 1778 he married Ann Ruberry of Sutton Court Farm, one of Chiswick's richest estates, and soon acquired property in Chiswick and Hammersmith.

The 1780 Land Tax for Chiswick lists 'John Sich W Thraile & Co' occupying properties owned by the Woodroffes.This is the first mention fo the partnership which traded as Sich & Thrale until the latter's death in 1793. The Thrale family continued to operate a substantial brewery in Southwark. By 1785 the partners had acquired The Feathers at the junction between Burlington Lane and Devonshire Road and an adjoining malthouse to the west. The partnership was renewed in 1790, with a new 61 year lease on the brewery premises, including six cottages in Lamb Yard, malt houses, stables and a cooperage.

In a document, dated 2 February 1803 (also in connection with the 'Lamb' Brewery at Chiswick), he is described as a 'brewer of Chiswick'. In 1809 John Sich and his sons (John and Henry) formed a partnership as 'common brewers' which meant they produced beer but did not retail it in public houses. That partnership was dissolved 10 years later and replaced by one between John Sich junior and Henry. The elaborate partnership document in the London Metropolitan Archives refers to assets including vats and tuns, carriages, boats and barges. The company was also a coal merchant - fuel was needed to power the brewery.This partnership was renewed for another 20 years in 1840. See later - Henry Sich.

For 62 years he was a Freemason in the Caveac Lodge in Hammersmith and served as its Master. He became involved in the affairs of both parishes , served as Lietenant in the Chiswick Volunteer Regiment in 1804

Plaque on wall over North Aisle in St Nicholas to Anne, John Sich and their daughter Harriot

Lived at Bedford House, Chiswick Mall.

Buried with wife and their second daughter in a vault beneath St Nicholas' Parish Church. Memorial tablet in church describes him as 'an inhabitant of this parish for more than 60 years.'

Sources

• Family records
• Paper by Val Bott in Brentford & Chiswick Local History Journal 22 (2013)