29 High Street
This property was researched by John Thurston
County Goldsmiths Ltd, 29 High Street, Bedford, 9 February 1973 [ref: BorBPH3/92]
While the site dates back to Saxon times and the buildings from 27 – 33 are stated as being mid 17th Century, no known occupants are known until the mid 19th century. It is likely that No 29 was a Drapers shop under Priest and Cooper in 1850 with John Main Priest shown from 1853.
While S Luddington, a Bootmaker appears in an 1861 Directory at No 29, confusingly the 1861 Census shows John Main Priest with family at both No 27 and No 29. To add further confusion Luddington then appears again in 1864.In 1869 the premises are described as a Boot and Shoe Warehouse under Charles Dean Dawson.
The premises revert back to a Tailor and Drapers in 1871 when James Wildman takes over. By 1876 Frederick Hagg, a Pork Butcher, is on site.Hagg is followed from at least 1885 by Alfred Mann, a Confectioner who stays until 1901.Benjamin Tisinbom, also a Confectioner, then takes over until around 1904 – 6.
A change of trade then occurs when Johnson Brothers, Cleaners and Dyers, take over from 1901 right up until 1963. In 1965 Beaufield Shops Ltd, another Confectioner, takes over for a single year.
The premises remain empty for three years before County Goldsmiths Ltd, Jewellers, Watch and Clock Makers, take over in 1969. They stay until at least 1976. Latterly The Sandwich Box (1985) and Wilkinsons (2008 – 2023) have been on site.
At time of writing (2024) the Premises are empty.
Summary
1850: Priest and Cooper, Drapers
1853 – 1862: John Main Priest, Drapers
1861: Samuel Luddington, Boot and Shoe Maker
1864: Samuel Luddington, Boot and Shoe Maker
1869: Charles Dean Dawson, Boot and Shoe Warehouse
1871: James Wildman, Tailor and Draper
1876: Frederick Hagg, Pork Butcher
1885 – 1901: Alfred Mann, Confectioner
1902 – 1904: Benjamin Tisinbom, Confectioner
1907 – 1963: Johnson Brothers, Cleaners and Dyers
1965: Beaufield Shops Ltd, Confectioner
1969 – 1976: County Goldsmiths Ltd, Jewellers and Watch and Clock Makers
2008 – 2023: Wilkinsons, Hardware Shop
2024: Empty
See here for a more detailed list of occupiers of 29 High Street