103 High Street
This property was researched by John Thurston.
The present building dates from the 1860’s when it was built by George Handscombe Miller. It is presumed there were no buildings previously at this end of the High Street.
The first occupant was James Tansley, a cabinet maker and upholsterer, in 1861. He stayed until at least 1869.
William Lyon, a tailor, took over from 1871 and run the business until 1893, sharing the premises in 1892 and 1893 with the London and Midland Bank. The bank was in sole possession from 1894 until 1897.
William Salmon, a photographer, then took over from c.1900 until 1908.
The building was then subdivided from 1910 up until 1976 with a number of occupants and businesses (see details below), in particular having a Newspaper Office for the "Beds Standard" and "Daily Circular".
Latterly from at least 2008 – 2024 Lenwell Property Services, Estate Agents, have been the occupiers.
Summary of Occupiers
Early 1860’s: Shop built by George Handscombe Miller
1861 – 1869: James Tansley, Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer
1871 – 1893: William Lyon/William Lyon and Son, Tailors
1892 – 1897: London and Midland Bank
1900 – 1908: William Salmon, Photographer
1910 – 1921: North Beds Unionist Association, H G Powell Secretary
1910 – 1936: "Beds Standard" and "Daily Circular" Office
1920: Food Controls Committee for Bedford Rural District, Henry Johnson Exec
1922 – 1926: Harry Smith (Trade unknown but probably an Insurance Agent for Yorkshire Insurance Company)
1922 – 1929: Beds Federation of Friendly Societies/Beds United Insurance Society, Josiah Hartop
1924 – 1972: Yorkshire Insurance Co Ltd, Harry Smith /Marshall D Morrison Managers
1928 – 1938: Bedford Primrose League Offices, Political Office
1930 – 1936: County Press (Bedford) Ltd
1930 – 1976: Frames Tours Ltd
1930: Russell Hill, Shipping Agent
1930 – 1934: Edward Archibald Juniper, Chiropodist
1934: William Arthur Robinson, Solicitor
1936: Alan E Potter, Chiropodist
1938 – 1940: James Moule, Turf Accountant
1939: Fuller Brush Co Ltd
1947: C M P Burgess, Solicitor
1949 – 1950: Stratford Douglas, Jones and Co, Auctioneers, Surveyors, Valuers, Estate Agents
1949 – 1952: Warren Smith, Stamp Auctioneer
1952 – 1955: Frances I Booker, Chiropodist
1955 – 1976: Royal Liver Friendly Society, George Sutherland District Representative
1957: A E King, Chiropodist
1965 – 1966: Northampton and Bedford Insurance Brokers Ltd
1968 – 1976: L Griffiths, Ladies and Gents Tailor
2008 – 2024: Lenwell Property Services, Estate Agent