Brooklands, Sawston, Cambridgeshire
This former factory was constructed in the early 19th century. It incorporated an 18th century house. The house and factory site were owned by Thomas Evans and his son Thomas Sutton Evans. Thomas Sutton Evans was the owner of the Old Yard leather and parchment works from 1850 to 1882. In 1871 he employed around 250 people. Evans carried on bitter feuds with the local doctor, baker and manufacturer of mineral water. He established rivals to all three in Sawston who his employees were forced to use. He set up a brewery at his skinyard and owned four public houses where his workmen had to receive part of their pay in beer. After the Education Act of 1870 made elementary education compulsory he allowed boys from the skinyard to attend school, but only after a heavy morning's work.
