Brewhouses
Before the introduction of clean piped water in this area in 1955, there were many waterborne diseases which caused problems. One way in which the various estates in the parish tackled this was by providing the farm workers with beer brewed in their own beerhouses. The action of the yeast in producing alcohol, even at the low concentrations achieved, were sufficient to make the brew a safer option than well or stream water.
The Rockley Estate had its own brewhouse, which was later turned into a chapel for the manor and reference has been found to a brewhouse attached to 'The Old Manor' (previously 'Eastholme') in Ogbourne St Andrew. No doubt there was one in Maisey as well, but no reference has yet been found for it.
There was also an enigmatic building next to the Axe and Compass beerhouse; single story, very small, single tall chimney. This might well have been a brewhouse serving the beerhouse. It might equally have been a washouse or even a forge for the wheelwrights which stood next door. Unfortunately it is unlikely we shall ever know.