AN ARTS company and an ale-making firm are together on a quest to find out more about the history of Cirencester Brewery - and they need your help.

New Brewery Arts and Corinium Ales, both from Cirencester, are keen to know more about the old town brewery, which is now home to New Brewery Arts.

There is even talk of recreating a beer that reflects what was once brewed in the town. In particular staff at both firms would like to hear from anyone who has a story or memories about Cirencester Brewery.

Based on what they find a beer will be brewed in honour of the old brewery. A new project will also be launched, titled The Barrel Store, that will see New Brewery Arts create visitor accommodation for groups, families, artists and individuals.

Beth Alden of New Brewery Arts/The Barrel Store said: “We are fascinated by the history of the old brewery site and very excited to hear what brewery stories the local community can share with us”.

"What we know is the Cirencester Brewery dates back to at least 1792 when it was described as "One of the most complete breweries of its size outside London". It had its own well (now hidden under New Brewery Arts) that at one time was supplying 5,000 gallons of water a day to the brewery. By 1920 the Cirencester Brewery owned 92 licensed houses in the Cirencester area, and was the largest, and most influential brewery in the town.”

Corinium Ales, founded in 2012 by Lucy Cordrey and Colin Knight, forms part of Cirencester’s rich brewing history and hopes this new research will reveal some exciting information and maybe some reference to the ingredients used in the beers.

Lucy added: "In the 1930s stouts, pale ales and milds were definitely the family ales on offer but we’d love to have a deeper insight into Cirencester’s local tipple and how it was enjoyed by the locals.

"It’s brilliant to have the opportunity to base a special brew on what might be discovered. Working with the New Brewery Arts and the local community is very exciting."

Can you help? Did your family work at Cirencester Brewery? Do you have old photos of the buildings before the demolition in the 1930s? Or of the drays? Does somebody in your family know where the hops, malt and barley were grown? Do you have any old beer bottles or crates from the Cirencester Brewery?

Email admin@newbreweryarts.co.uk or hello@coriniumales.co.uk if you have any information.