23 High Street
This property was researched by John Thurston.
23-27 High Street (Harrison Gibsons, house furnishers), 19 January 1973 [ref: BorBPH3/90]
The earliest reference from 1830 states John William Walton, an Ironmonger, owns No 23. By 1841 he is presumed dead as his wife, Mary Walton, has control of the business. By 1850 Joseph Hornsey, a Lace Merchant, has taken over and remains until the early 1860’s. John Fricker, a Linen Draper, Silk Mercer and Milliner, takes control over the business in the late 1860’s with his widow, Eleanor Maria Fricker, running the business in 1871. During the late 1870’s and early 1880’s there is some confusion as to who owns and runs the property. George Wells and Sons, Cabinet makers and furnishers, are first shown at No 25 High Street but by 1885 are listed as at both 23 and 25 High Street. It is likely they owned both premises . A1901 Census entry for Kate Hatton, Manageress of a fancy shop, was probably a sub let by George Wells. The company is shown up to 1920 as the owners of both properties and from 1921 as the owners of 23, 25 and 27 High Street. Wells remained as the occupants until at least 1957. In 1959 another House Furnishers, Harrison Gibson, take over and remain until at least 1970. In later years 23 and 25 became The Bathstore, Bath Equipment Suppliers, (2008) and then were the Wedding Warehouse in 2023.
Summary
1830 – 1841: John William Walton and family, Ironmongers
1850 – 1862: Joseph Hornsey, Lace Merchant
1869 – 1871: John Fricker and family, Linen and Woollen Draper
1876 – 1890: ? George Wells and Company, Cabinet Makers and House Furnishers
1890 – 1957: George Wells and Company/Wells and Company, Cabinet Makers and House Furnishers
1890: Robert Rose, Professor of music, pianoforte & music warehouse (Possibly a sub let by Wells)
1901: Kate Hatton, Manageress Fancy Shop (Possibly a sub let by Wells)
1918: Arthur Scott Cooper (Lease from Alicia Catherine Wells for 23 and 25 High Street for 21years)
1959 – 1970: Harrison Gibsons, House Furnishers
2008: Bathstore, Bath Equipment
2023: Wedding Warehouse, Wedding Clothes
See here for a more detailed list of owners and occupiers of 23 High Street