20 Silver Street

The earliest occupier known from directories would appear to be Thomas Smith, a broker and clothes dealer, who was operating at No 20 from 1839 until around 1847. He was succeeded by James Freeman in 1850 and John Freeman (probably his son) in 1851 both being described as auctioneers and (furniture) brokers. John stayed until at least 1867 and the business then became a butchers under David Thomson.

On his death his widow, Mary Ann Thomson, took over the role of butcher from 1881 and along with her son, Alfred Palmer Thomson, the business continued until 1965 under the names Thomson and Son and Thomsons (Bedford Ltd).

In 1966 a change of trade took place when Werff Brothers Ltd, a Fashion House, became the owners. They stayed until at least 1976.

Latterly we know that the building appears to have been owned by St John’s Hospital, a Charity, in 1985 as building plans exist for this date. In recent times the building has been used by Next Retail Ltd, a Clothes Retailer, in 2008 and since 2009 by Costa Coffee, Coffee House.

Summary of Occupiers: 

c.1839 – 1847: Thomas Smith, Broker and Clothes Dealer

1850: James Freeman, Furniture Broker

1851 – 1867: John Freeman, Cabinet Maker, Upholsterer, Broker, Appraiser, House Agent etc

1869 – 1876: David Thomson, Butcher

1881 – 1965: Mary Ann Thomson/Alfred Palmer Thomson/Thomson and Son/Thomsons (Bedford Ltd).

1966 – 1976: Werff Brothers Ltd, Fashion House

1985: St John’s Hospital, Charity (Owners)

2008: Next Retail Ltd, Clothes Retailer

2009 – 2025: Costa Coffee, Coffee House