The Tetley Brewery was founded by Joshua Tetley (1778-1859) (pictured on the right) in 1822 in Salem Place. Later, the brewery became Joshua Tetley and Son when Joshua's son Francis William (1817-1883) joined the company. It would have made Joshua feel quite proud when he put "and Son" after his name. He had established his business and achieved a succession, both gratifying achievements for early 19th century traders. 

The succession was a close run thing. Joshua and his wife Hannah had produced five daughters before their only son, Francis William (pictured on the left), was born in 1817. A further two daughters followed. Joshua Tetley's was no penniless start. Before 1750, his forebears were "considerable maltsters" in Armley, and Joshua leased the brewery in Hunslet Road from William Sykes who had conducted it since 1796.

The brewery has had Tetleys on the board until quite recently. Richard Tetley, the son of Brigadier J. Noel Tetley being the last family member to have connections with the brewery.

The Tetley family who descend from Joshua, have a considerable record in public service in Leeds, and played their part in the two world wars. Charles Francis Tetley (1848-1934), son of Francis William, was Lord Mayor of Leeds in 1897, a magistrate for more than 50 years, a councillor and alderman from 1895-1927.
Brigadier James Noel Tetley (1898-1971) was Pro-Chancellor of Leeds University from 1956-1965, and his cousin Colonel Charles Harold Tetley (1877-1959) was Pro-Chancellor from 1926 to 1946. Both were conferred with LL.D. Colonel Charles Harold Tetley and his brother Colonel Francis Eric Tetley (1878-1966) were honoured with the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for service in the 1914-1918 war. Francis Eric was also Lord Mayor of Leeds in 1951. Brigadier James Noel Tetley was awarded the DSO for service in the second world war.

The family's military tradition has existed since the Leeds Volunteers were revived in 1859. The first 'A' company was manned entirely by employees of the brewery. 

Some links to further information :-

Unfortunately, Carlsberg appear to have removed their website pages for the history of the Tetley Brewery.

The building that used to be Tetley's brewery is now an arts centre.
They have their own website which contains some information about the building's past, and the history of the brewery.
'The Tetley' website.

There is also stuff on the history of the brewery on wikipedia.