The Buildings of the Malting Industry: The production of malt from prehistory to the 21st century

The Buildings of the Malting Industry is a book that explores the buildings of the malting industry, which is one of the main ingredients of beer. It reveals the lack of detail on maltings in English counties, with only a name on a building or street as evidence of their presence. The book provides illustrations of the exteriors and interiors of malthouses and kilns, showcasing some of the developments and how some buildings have been reused.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Historic England

The Buildings of the Malting Industry is a captivating exploration of the structures that have played a pivotal role in the production of our beloved beer throughout centuries. While malt is a crucial component of beer, the buildings in which it is and has been crafted have received relatively limited attention, despite the presence of malthouses and kilns in numerous towns and villages. This groundbreaking book is the first to address the scarcity of detailed information about maltings, which were once ubiquitous in all English counties. In contemporary times, evidence of a malthouse may manifest as a mere name on a building or street, but where these structures survive, their distinctive pyramidal roofs and other less recognizable features serve as clear indicators of their presence. This comprehensive volume provides intricate details about early malt kilns and showcases their evolution over time. Initially, early malt kilns were predominantly vernacular in design, but as the mid-19th century approached, some firms began employing specialist architects. Subsequently, in the 20th century, there was increased engineering input into the construction of new maltings, particularly with the development of the pneumatic process. While this once widespread industry has now predominantly been confined to the eastern side of the country, surviving maltings in other regions have been repurposed for various purposes. Examples of such conversions are provided, highlighting the adaptability and resilience of these historic buildings. Accompanying the text are illustrations that depict the exteriors and interiors of malthouses and kilns, offering a glimpse into the developments and reuses of these structures. These illustrations showcase the rich history and evolution of the malting industry, highlighting the significance of these buildings in the production of beer and their enduring impact on our cultural heritage.

Dimension: 239 x 163 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837644285