The Magnificent Shire Horses of Tetley Brewery

Tetley Brewery, based in Leeds, Yorkshire, has long been known for its iconic beer and for its use of magnificent shire horses to transport their beer kegs. These gentle giants have become a symbol of the brewery, and have played an important role in its history.

Tetleys Brewery Shire Horses and Carriage in 1969

Tetleys Brewery Shire Horses and Carriage in 1969

Tetley Brewery`s Shire Horses

For over 150 years, shire horses have been synonymous with Tetley Brewery. These gentle giants were originally used to deliver beer to local pubs, but as the brewery grew, more and more shire horses were added to the fleet.

Magnificent Shire Horses of Tetley Brewery

At the height of Tetley`s use of shire horses, there were over 50 horses working for the company. Each horse was stabled at the brewery`s own horse stables in Leeds, where they were cared for by a team of dedicated grooms.

Magnificent Shire Horses of Tetley Brewery

The End of an Era

As the years passed, the use of shire horses for transportation became less common, and Tetley Brewery eventually retired its fleet of shire horses in 2006. Today, there are only a handful of shire horses still in use for transportation in the UK.

However, Tetley Brewery has ensured that the legacy of their shire horses lives on. In 2011, the company commissioned a bronze statue of a shire horse to be placed outside the brewery, in honor of these magnificent animals.

The shire horses of Tetley Brewery are a reminder of a bygone era. They played a vital role in the growth of the brewery, and their gentle nature and strength made them beloved by all who worked with them. Although they are no longer used for transportation, their legacy lives on thanks to the dedication of Tetley Brewery and its commitment to preserving this important part of its history.