Stephen Read Elms, age 34, who in 1837 opened Dover’s first aerated waters factory. This was in Branch Street, Charlton, between the High Street and, nowadays, Morrison’s delivery yard. Nearby, was, and still is but running into a culvert, a chalybeate spring – water containing salts of iron that had been discovered in the 18th century. Stephen’s business was a success and he eventually diversified into making a large variety of sweets for the local market. Stephen died in 1872 but before then his son, also called Stephen, and was heavily involved in the running of the company. Stephen Elms junior died in 1897 and appears to have been succeeded by a daughter and three nephews but the business eventually ceased. (1)

<1> Lorraine Sencicle, 2013, The Dover Historian - Aerated water manufacturers (Website). SKE51682.