31 High Street, Bedford

This property was researched by John Thurston

29-33 High Street, showing Johnsons Dry Cleaners at No.31, 25 April 1968 [ref: BorBPH3/92]

While the building dates from the mid 17th century, occupiers are not known until around 1830/31. John Bithrey, a hairdresser, is shown in Pigots Directory from this date. When he died in October 1843 his widow, Susan(nah) Bithrey, took over and the family would then run the business under a number of guises (Hairdressers, Perfumers, Chiropodists and Tobacconists) for the next 118 years up until 1961.

In 1965 Johnson Brothers, Cleaners and Dyers, were the occupiers being replaced in 1975 by Harris Cleaning.In more recent times Ace Shoe Repairs (1985) and Wilkinson/Wilko Stores (2008 – 2003) have been present. Currently in 2024 the building is Empty. 

Two anomalies/possible mistakes are found in the recorded data :

- In 1876 Harrods Directory shows Mrs Susan Bithrey’s occupation as running a Music Warehouse. This is almost certainly a straightforward mistake. 

- Heritage Notes also state that in Victor Farrar’s “Bedford 50 Years Ago” (Written in 1957 but not published until 2007) that No 31 was occupied by William Dawson, a Tailor, date unknown. Again this seems unlikely bearing in mind that Bithrey and Co were definitely still in occupation   

Summary of Occupiers

Mid 17th Century: Timber Framed Building Erected (Historic England Listed Buildings)

1830 – 1843: John Bithrey, Hairdresser

1843 – 1961: Susan(nah) Bithrey and subsequent S.Bithrey Co, Hairdressers, Perfumers, Chiropodists and Tobacconists.

1934 – 1961: Sidney William Seymour, Hairdresser (Employee/Manager of Bithrey and Co.)

1965 – 1974: Johnson Brothers (Dyers) Ltd, Cleaners and Dyers

1974 – 1976: Harris, Cleaners and Dyers

1995: Leathbond Ltd are shown as owners

2008 – 2023: Wilkinson/Wilko, Hardware and General Stores

2024: Empty 

See here for a more detailed list of the owners and occupiers of 31 High Street