The Canterbury UAD states that the Dane John Brewery and maltings was founded in St. John's Lane in 1772 by Dane John Ash. It is listed in Pigot's Directory of 1832 & of 1840 with George Ash as owner/brewer 36 Watling Street, and is shown on the 1st edition O. S. map of 1874. It is still listed in Pikes Local Blue Book of 1897-98.

In a Guide of Canterbury dated 1903, the brewery is shown as a large brick-built structure, built on a corner plot, with a sign stating 'The Dane John Brewery, Ash & Co. It also had a Maltings in Worthgate Place.

The brewery was amalgamated with East Kent Brewery Co. Ltd., of Sandwich to form Ash's East Kent Brewery Co. Ltd. In 1920.

It was acquired by Jude, Hanbury & Co. Ltd in 1923., and later by Whitbread & Co. Ltd in 1929. The brewery was closed and demolished in 1933 along with any associated maltings.

Norman Barber (Brewery History Society 1994), A Century of British Brewers 1890-1990 (Bibliographic reference). SKE6449.

Pigot & Co., 1828, Pigot & Co's. London and Provincial Directory (Article in serial). SKE29961.

Pigot & Co., 1832, Pigot & Co's. Commercial Directory (Article in serial). SKE29960.

Pigot & Co., 1840, Pigot & Co's. Royal, National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the County of Kent (Article in serial). SKE29962.

Ordnance Survey, 1874, 1st Edition Map of Canterbury 1874 (Map). SKE30106.

Pikes Directories, 1897, Pikes Local Blue Book for Canterbury and District, Herne Bay & Whitstable (Article in serial). SKE29958.

Evans, S. O. & Bennett-Goldney, F., 1903, The Ancient City of Canterbury - A Guide (Monograph). SKE29978.

Eve, D. & Stead, P., 1998, The Malting Industry in Kent Results of a Sites and Monuments Record Enhancement Project (Monograph). SKE7360.