Morse was a code for excellent ales

October 25, 2004

MORSE ROAD (Pilling Park Road to Supple Close)

ALL those living in this road should raise a glass to the man it was named after — one of our brewing giants. He was also the first man to be both Mayor and then Lord Mayor of Norwich — and a top mountaineer.

A grand picture of the directors at Steward & Patteson in Norwich — back row, left to right: HTS Patteson, DS Stevens, CH Finch; front row, left, Sir George Henry Morse and next to him HS Patteson.

Norwich has a rich history of brewing and one of the best-loved breweries was Steward & Patteson which was originally called Steward, Patteson, Morse, Finch & Co of Pockthorpe Brewery.

One of the governors at the big old brewery, which ran pubs across Norwich and Norfolk, was Sir George Henry Morse, who lived from 1857 until 1931.

He was the son of Charles Morse, of Aylsham, and the great grandson of John Morse, who was Mayor of Norwich way back in 1781. They were a powerful and wealthy family.

Young George was educated at Wellington and looked set for a military career when he was asked to return to Norwich and help run the brewery. He quickly became engrossed in the affairs of this busy beer-making firm, becoming chairman of the board of directors.

George started to play an active role in the civic life of Norwich in 1887 when he was elected to the council — he was to serve for almost 35 years. In 1898, he became Mayor of Norwich and an Alderman and then in 1922 he was the first person to have become both Mayor and Lord Mayor. (The Mayors of Norwich became Lord Mayors in 1910).

His contribution to the good of the city earned him a knighthood, conferred during his term of office when the Prince of Wales visited Norwich.

Sir George was a leading member of the Conservative Party in the city, but according to fellow councillor and political enemy the socialist Fred Jex, he served the council with impartial judgment.

Away from the brewery and civic life, he was a brilliant mountaineer with an international reputation and succeeded General Bruce as president of the Alpine Club.

Sir George lived at Beech Hill, Thorpe St Andrew, and was married to Anne. They had two sons and a daughter.

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