1949 The Five Bells Public House in the High Street Houghton Regis

The Five Bells in the High Street in 1949. This is thought to be the oldest pub in the village, dating back to about 1606. It started out as the Horse's Head and changed its name to the Five Bells in the early to mid-19th century, likely referencing the bells of the nearby All Saints parish church. The two people in the doorway may be the publicans.

Notable Licensees

The pub changed hands many times over the years. Some notable licensees include:

• Francis Foster (1847)
• George Wilson (1853–1876), also listed in the 1871 census as a licensed victualler
• Walter Daniel Miller (1910)
• James Thompson (1924–1940)
• Harry G. Wilson (1949)

The picture shows Luton Ales:

The Ales Brewery in Luton was better known under its later name: J.W. Green Ltd, which operated the Phoenix Brewery on Park Street West. Here's a concise history of its evolution:

🏭 Origins and Growth

• Founded: Originally established by Henry and Frederick Pearman in 1857.

• Ownership Change: Sold to John William Green in 1869, who expanded operations and registered the company as J.W. Green Ltd in 1897.

• Acquisitions:

  • Acquired Luton Brewery Co. Ltd in 1898.

  • Later absorbed Glover & Sons Ltd of Harpenden.

🍺 Transition to Flowers Breweries Ltd

• In 1954, J.W. Green Ltd acquired Flower & Sons Ltd, a Stratford-upon-Avon brewery founded in 1831.

• Following the acquisition, the company was renamed Flowers Breweries Ltd.

🏚️ Closure and Legacy

• The brewery was closed in 1968 after a merger with West Country Breweries Ltd under Whitbread, forming Whitbread Flowers Ltd.

• Both the Phoenix Brewery in Luton and the original Flowers Brewery were demolished, but their legacy remains in local pub names and historical records

The 5 Bells Local Industry Connection

• In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some licensees were also involved in straw plaiting, a major local industry. For example, Harry G. Wilson was listed as both publican and straw plait merchant in several trade directories.

Demolition and Legacy

• The Five Bells was demolished in 1971 to make way for industrial development, the Townsend Industrial Estate, named after Townsend Farm on which it was built.
• Despite its disappearance, it remains a cherished part of Houghton Regis’s heritage, frequently referenced in local archives and historical societies.

The tower of the Baptist Chapel can be seen above the roof.

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