History and Development

D Wickham & Company of Ware was established in 1882 by William Wickham. The company began its operations by brewing Ware Pale Ale and Light Bitter, supplying these products to local families and inns.
The beer was distributed in casks and stored in cellars, reflecting the traditional brewing and distribution methods of the era.

Innovation and Expansion

In 1890, Denis Wickham patented machinery designed for carbonating and bottling beer, as well as other frothing liquids. During this period, the company’s workshops were based at the Star Brewery on High Street in Ware, Hertfordshire.
By 1912, the business had evolved into D. Wickham & Company Limited, Brewery & General Engineers, relocating to new premises on Viaduct Road in Ware. This transition marked a diversification into general engineering, including the manufacture of manhole covers and motor vehicle repairs.

Railway Engineering

In 1926, James Cooper took over the business, shifting focus away from brewing machinery and toward railway engineering vehicles:
  • April 1932: Constructed its first railcar for the Taltal Railway in Chile, operating on a 3 ft 6 in gauge track.
  • Global Reach: Produced numerous railcars supplied to railways across Britain and worldwide, including Argentina and the Kalka–Shimla Railway in North India.
  • Maintenance Trollies: Developed a widely used range of rail maintenance trollies, many of which remain in service on preserved heritage railways today.

World War II Contributions

During World War II, the railway production workshops were repurposed to support the war effort:
  • Repaired military tanks and engines.
  • Produced equipment for the mining industry.
  • Manufactured critical parts for the de Havilland Mosquito aircraft.
Due to soaring wartime demand, the company expanded rapidly and established formal apprenticeships for its growing workforce.

Post-War Years and Peak Success

By the mid-1950s, the company had re-established itself as a major global rail vehicle producer. At its peak, D Wickham & Company was among the largest employers in Ware and earned an international reputation across the railway industry. Over time, the firm further expanded into manufacturing various types of construction plant equipment.
In 1961, the company established a direct connection with the River Lea when it fulfilled an order to build several barge-towing tractors, some of which are preserved today. As railway demand declined in later years, the company diversified further into producing hoists and platforms for the construction industry.

Closure and Legacy

In 1990, the company was acquired by the BM Group. Despite cost-cutting measures, D Wickham & Company finally closed its doors in 1991 after more than a century of operation.
It remains a pivotal part of Ware’s industrial history and a notable name in the global story of railway engineering innovation.