Fremin Walk, Maidstone

It's been a while since I posted a shot about Maidstone so while out in town this morning I remembered the brick arch and emblem of Fremlin's Brewery which is one of the few remains now of the once proud firm. One of Working Dad's blips prompted the shot. Makes you keep an eye out for these old ghosts from the past.

Although all is not as it appears, the clock is not an original - it is an identical replica presented by Maidstone Rotary Club.

Fremlin's was established in 1790 and was eventually taken over by Whitbreads in 1967. Brewing ceased in 1972 but the site contined as a bottling plant and finally a distribution centre until demolished to make way for Fremlin Walk Shopping Centre. I moved to Maidstone in 1976 so remember the old brewery buildings standing prominently over the River Medway.

The Elephant is the company "logo" or emblem and can also be seen on the office building to the left of the arch - which will be the subject of another shot sometime.