Ellis Wilkinson Mineral Water Manufacturer, founded in 1852, at South Meadow Street, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom. The mineral water trade was once a thriving industry in Preston, the largest manufacturer of which was Ellis Wilkinson, who first began making mineral waters at the same time that Matthew Brown was making his home-brewed ale at his small Pole Street, Preston, Brewery. Ellis and Matthew were friends who began making drinks together. In 1967 Ellis Wilkinson's merged with T. and R. Smith's soft drinks of Chorley who had already been taken over by Garfield Weston.