Will, Inventory and Court Paper of John Eastgate, victualler 1684

Eastgate was a wealthy maltster with an inventory totalling £495 9s. of which £200 was in bonds and leases, perhaps for inns and alehouses. He ran a taphouse and brewed his own beer, specifically mentioned as March beer. Traditionally, brewers increased production in March as between April and September the weather was too warm for brewing and bacterial infection was a risk that could spoil the beer. March beers were brewed stronger and lagered so they would keep longer. Eastgate’s inventory was taken in November and listed 351 gallons (6.5 hogsheads) of beer and five empty hogsheads. His inventory also listed two looking glasses, a sign of status.