14 High Street

This property was researched By John Thurston

High Street, Bedford looking north from town bridge, showing bank buildings and George Inn. Valentine's Series, c1905 [Z574/8]

The 1851 Census would indicate there were previous buildings on site before the Bank Buildings (No’s 2 – 14) were erected in 1855.

The earliest likely occupant was Thomas Green , a Grocer and Tea Dealer, who is shown on Trade Directories from 1823 onwards. On his death in 1840 his widow, Elizabeth Green, a Grocer, Tea Dealer and Tallow Chandler, runs the business with her son William Staines Green until 1850. He is then in sole charge from 1851 – 1854 and on his death that year is succeeded by his widow, Sarah Green, until 1862. In 1864 Charles Nicholson, who had served previously as an assistant Grocer under the Green’s, becomes the new resident Grocer until C 1869/71. The business then reverts back to Thomas Kenworthy Green (William and Sarah’s son) until 1885.

A change of usage occurs around 1887 when the business is taken over by Freeman, Hardy and Willis, Shoe Manufacturers, who are in residence until 1932. The last change of ownership, in 1934, sees the Borough Treasurers Office (Treasurer Frederick Augustus Taylor) on site. The Council remain until 1940 when all the Bank Buildings are demolished to make way for the widening of the Town Bridge.  

Summary of Occupiers of 14 High Street

C 1823 – 1840: Thomas Green, Grocer and Tea Dealer

1841 – 1850: Elizabeth Green and Son (William Staines Green), Grocers and Tea Dealers

1851 – 1854: William Staines Green, Grocer

1854 – 1862: Sarah Green, Grocer and Provision Dealer

1864 – 1869: Charles Nicholson, Grocer and Provisions Dealer

1871 – 1885: Thomas Kenworthy Green, Grocer

1887 – 1932: Freeman, Hardy and Willis, Shoe Manufacturers

1934 – 1939: Borough Treasurers Office, Frederick Augustus Taylor Treasurer

1940: 2 - 14 High Street, ‘Bank Buildings’, demolished 30th January 1940

See here for a more detailed list of owners and occupiers of 14 High Street.