NHER 55684 (Building record) - Former Claxton's Mineral Water factory

Whitewashed brick building with corrugated iron roof. The proportions of the building and the styling of the windows are reminiscent of a non-conformist chapel. The building was built in 1920 for the Bullen Brothers, who made mineral water. However they went bankrupt and Claxton took over the site in 1923. One problem facing the factory was water supply, as up until the 1960s Wells obtained all of its water from a well. The factory would often use more water than could be pumped out of the well, and the local gas works and hospital had to ask them to cease production so they could have some water. This problem was later solved by installing tanks which filled up overnight and permanently so when Wells was connected to the walsingham water supply. The water mixing was done on the 1st floor while the bottling was done on the ground floor. A large warehouse big enough for a lorry to drive into is situated behind the factory and the bottled water was stored there. The bungalow at the northern end of the site was Mr. Claxton's home and office. Due to rising prices and cuts to sugar allocation the firm was forced to close in 1974. When surveyed in 1975, most machinery was still in situ, but was quickly moved to begin the conversion. The site is now converted to housing, but it is remembered in naming the plot "Claxton's Yard".
See (S1).
W. Arnold (HES), 15 June 2011.