MEMBER OF A WELL KNOWN BREWING FAMILY
It is with regret that we record the death of Mr. Herbert John Finn, a member of a well-known Kentish family, which took place on Wednesday last after ten years of illness and complete inactivity. Before coming to Newbury, the deceased gentleman was a partner in the Steam Brewery, Ipswich. Here he took an active in the affairs of the town and in Church life, being a Church Warden for many years.
He purchased the Phoenix Brewery in December, 1893, from the late Mr. Charles Nutley, was most successful in developing the business and well-known as an excellent judge of barley and hops. During his long period of illness, his son, Mr. Dudley Finn, has carried on the affairs of his business.

THE FUNERAL
The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, the first part of the service being held at the Parish Church, and was taken by the Rector (the Rev. L.R. Majendie).
The mourners were Mrs. Finn (widow), Mr. Dudley Finn (son), Miss Finn and Mrs. Somerset (daughters), Mr. Ray Finn, Mr. Ernest Finn, Dr. Somerset, Mrs. Dudley, Mr. Charles Barry, Dr. and Mrs. Allen Finn, Mr. Walter Money, Capt. And Mrs. Elsworth Stevenson, Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Barnes, Capt. Barnes, Mr. Horley, Mr. and Mrs. Giffard Wells, Mr. A.T. Watson, Mr. F.D. Bazett, Mr. Gold, Mr. H. Hopton,, Mr. Bywater, Mr. King, tenants from Hungerford and Newbury, employees at the Brewery.
Among those present at the Church and at the graveside in Newbury Cemetery were Mr. E. Parfitt, Mr. V.C. Knight, Mr. W.H. Coldicutt, Mrs. Watts, Miss Oldfield, Mr. W.E.V. Tompkins, Mr. J.H. Spackman, Mr. W. Cooke, Mr. and Mrs. Addison, Mr. and Mrs. E. Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Whyman, Mr. J.W.H. Kemp, Miss Godwin, Mrs. Watts, Supt. Maunders, Sergt. Walker and many others.
There were a large number of floral contributions listed.
The body was enclosed in a shell with outer casket of unpolished oak and inscribed

“Herbert John Finn,
died November 29th 1922
aged 80.”

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Camp, Hopson and Co.

Extract from an article on The Phoenix Brewery Newbury 

by JWS Jones and AJ Taylor  - Newbury Museum Historical Group 

Included in The Newbury District Field Club Transactions of 1972

Established at 50 Bartholomew Street in 1841 by William Nutley, the Phoenix Brewery became one of 10 brewers operating in the town of Newbury by 1870. 

It was also known as Nutley’s Steam Brewery due possibly to its long association with the Nutley family, first William then Charles managing the business.  The latter sold out to Herbert John Finn in 1893.