The Robinson's empire began in September 1838 when William Robinson bought the Unicorn Inn in Stockport.
It was initially run as a retail business, until William was joined by his son Frederic. The pair began brewing beer and soon branched into wholesale.
In 1876, shortly before his father's death, Frederic bought The Railway at Marple Bridge and laid the foundations of the Robinson's estate.
Frederic was joined by his son, also William, in 1878. By the time of Frederic's death in 1890, the estate had grown to 12 pubs. Today it is run by seven family members - three from the fifth generation and five, including Oliver, from the sixth.
[Click on the image for the story in full from the Manchester Evening News].
