12 High Street
This property was researched by John Thurston.
Town Bridge, Bedford showing south end of bank buildings [c.1931] [Z1306/9/5/27]
*Bank Buildings (No’s 2 – 14 High Street) were built in 1855 after Joseph Barnard, A Coal Merchant then Banker, had leased the land. Barnard appears to have contracted this leased from the Borough Council since at least 1776.
The first named occupant at No 12 Bank Buildings/High Street in 1869 was William Norris, a Boot and Shoemaker. Around 1871 William Lamb, a Hairdresser and Perfumer is shown as the occupant along with his family. He stays until at least 1877.In 1885 the premises are in the hands of Arthur Charles Hollis, also a Hairdresser who remains until at least 1894. From 1897 the occupant is Antoine Stavinski, another Hairdresser, who is described as a Pole and German Subject. He remains until 1924.
In 1925 the continental style of the property is retained when " Maison Emile", Hairdressing Salon, is opened on the site with Emile Samuel John Morgenthaler being the Proprietor.The next occupant from 1931 – 2 is Emerson Norman, a Restauranteur and Confectioner.
Another change of business occurs from 1934 – 6 when the Central Fur Stores, Furriers, are occupants, William John Wright being the Proprietor.Briefly in 1938 Milletts Government Surplus Stores are shown as the final occupants.The building then becomes unoccupied in 1939.
In 1940 the Bank Buildings were demolished to enable Bedford Bridge to be widened.
Summary of Occupiers
1776 – 1786: Joseph Barnard, a Coal Merchant and Banker leases land next to the River Ouse
1855: Joseph Barnard builds Bank Buildings (No 2 – 14)
1869: William Norris, Boot and Shoemaker
1871 – 1877: William Lamb/Lamb and Son, Hairdressers and Perfumers
1885 – 1894: Arthur Charles Hollis, Hairdresser
1897 – 1924: Antoine Stavinski, Hairdresser
1925 – 1930: Emile Samuel John Morgenthaler, Proprietor of “Maison Emile”, Hairdressers
1931 – 1932: Emerson Norman, Restauranteur and Confectioner
1934 – 1936: William John Wright, Proprietor of Central Fur Stores, Furriers
1938: Millett’s Stores, Government Surplus Stores
1939: Uninhabited prior to demolition
1940: Bank Buildings demolished 30th Jan 1940 to enable widening of Town Bridge
See here for a more detailed list of owners and occupiers