A Brief History of the Shire Horses

Wadworth began brewing in Devizes in 1875, moving to the Northgate Brewery in 1885. Of course, everything in those days was delivered by horse and cart.

With the onset of mechanical transport, the horses were replaced by lorries and vans.

However, in 1974 Wadworth reinstated the tradition of using horses to deliver to its pubs, largely due to the foresight of the then managing director, Major John Cairns Bartholemew.

The horses once again became a familiar sight on the streets of Devizes.  They served as a cost-effective, eco-friendly delivery method to local pubs and were a significant PR asset, bringing joy and photo opportunities to the town.

The Shires became beloved local figures, with their summer holidays (including a pint of ale) drawing crowds, and they even featured on TV.

Despite efforts, including a new stable plan, increased costs and a move to a new brewery site on Folly Road made traditional horse-drawn deliveries difficult. 

In February 2025, Wadworth announced the retirement of their Shire horses with "great sadness," citing rising costs, increased operational pressures, and the logistical challenges of the new site.

The horses were rehomed to Gentle Giants in Wales, where they continue to be seen by the public in different activities like ploughing.