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Brewster and Alewife: Perceptions of Female Brewers and Publicans in Early Modern England Item Info

Early modern England witnessed many changes in the brewing and victualling trades. Previously, beer had been a woman’s domestic chore or a by-industry which helped earn extra income for the family. As brewing and victualling became more formalized starting with the introduction of hops in the 1400s, women found themselves being pushed out of the industry. This paper examines the portrayal of the brewsters and alewives who remained in the industries after most women had left. It considers the consequences of modernization and industrialization of the beer industry in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It shows how the women who remained navigated these changes, and how their position as relatively independent people were both feared and respected by their communities. By analyzing early modern popular media, particularly broadside ballads, plays, and paintings, this paper explores how alewives and brewsters were represented and perceived by their customers, families, and neighbours.

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Title:
Brewster and Alewife: Perceptions of Female Brewers and Publicans in Early Modern England
Creator:
Dashko, Emilia Christina
Date Created:
2024
Degree Awarded:
Master of Arts
Subjects:
Europe -- History
Geographical Focus:
England
Supporting Materials:
n/a
Description:
Early modern England witnessed many changes in the brewing and victualling trades. Previously, beer had been a woman’s domestic chore or a by-industry which helped earn extra income for the family. As brewing and victualling became more formalized starting with the introduction of hops in the 1400s, women found themselves being pushed out of the industry. This paper examines the portrayal of the brewsters and alewives who remained in the industries after most women had left. It considers the consequences of modernization and industrialization of the beer industry in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It shows how the women who remained navigated these changes, and how their position as relatively independent people were both feared and respected by their communities. By analyzing early modern popular media, particularly broadside ballads, plays, and paintings, this paper explores how alewives and brewsters were represented and perceived by their customers, families, and neighbours.
Source
Preferred Citation:
Dashko, Emilia Christina. Brewster and Alewife: Perceptions of Female Brewers and Publicans in Early Modern England. 2024. Carleton University, Master of Arts.
Reference Link:
https://cuhistory.github.io/grads/items/hist_344.html
Rights
Rights:
Copyright the author, all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.
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