Definition: Factory House

An imposing building founded in 1790 in Porto to become the headquarters of the English merchants (factors) of Port wines. This prestigious corporation is called the "British Association". It continues to bring together the eleven British port exporters every Wednesday (in the past, no ships from England docked on that day), according to strict rules: ladies are not allowed, smoking is not permitted before 2 p.m., etc. Relations between the Factory House and the nearby Instituto do Vinho do Porto, which is Portuguese-owned, are naturally quite delicate. See photo No. 82.