New findings to the building history of malt house and brewery in Benešov in the light of conterporary circumstances, 1872-1897
Abstract
So far, history of brewing in Benešov between of 1872-1897 has been relatively neglected by historians. Although a lot of studies deal with the given period, they usually handle the topic in shallow manner, omitting important facts and contexts, as well as repeating mistakes.
The study brings new findings about the short period of time when a malt house and three breweries were built within one facility. The study captures their building history and form, including the form of their indoor equipment.
These major changes are reflected in broader context: the beginnings of join-stock company and their personal connections to the local burgess elite, mutual co-operation and competition with Count Lobkowicz, Lord of Konopiště, in the new conditions of the second half of the 19th century. The substantial part of the study deals with Franz Ferdinand of Austria, who had bought Konopiště manor and also Benešov brewery and malt house, and thus started a new chapter in history of brewing in Benešov.