38-40 High Street
This property was researched by John Thurston
38 & 40 High St. Blake & Edgar photographers, undated [ref: Z50/9/169]
The early history of 38 High Street revolves around the Hill Family who were Stationers, Booksellers, Printers and Newspaper Proprietors. Joseph Hill was present in the High Street from around 1823, probably at No.38, while he was followed by his brother, Samuel Woodward Hill and his sons, Rowland and Augustus Hill (1847). In 1849 Rowland took over the Publishing and Printing of the “Bedfordshire Mercury” at No 38. From around 1885 the business had expanded to include No 40 High Street.
Further generations of the Hill family would continue to publish the Newspaper on site until around 1898. In 1900 the premises were taken over by Blake and Edgar , Photographers who remain until 1930.“Joys”, Costumiers, become owners in 1934 operating until 1955. Briefly Goodwards Furnishers are shown in 1957 before the premises are subdivided into 3 units from 1959 – 1965. The occupants are Thomas Cooke and Son, Furnishers, Provincial Insurance and V B Johnson , Surveyors.
From 1966 until 1967 there are just 2 subdivisons, Thomas Cooke and Son and Provincial Insurance.In 1968 Williams are now the furnishers working alongside Provincial Insurance. From 1969 until 1976 they are joined by Newprint Ltd, Printers, and Dellow Editorial Service, Editors.
In recent times, from at least 2008 – 2021, Debenhams Superstore controlled the site. Currently Bedford Borough Council has plans to buy the store in a step towards revitalising the Bedford High Street and fostering economic growth (As at 21st December 2023)
Summary of Occupiers
1823 – c.1847: Joseph Hill, Bookseller and Stationer
1847: Hill Brothers OR Samuel Woodward Hill, Printers (Both shown in High Street)
1849 - 1885: Rowland Hill (Senior), Printer and Newspaper Publisher
1885 – 1898: Rowland Hill (Junior) and Augustus Hill, Printers and Newspaper Publishers
1900 – 1930: Blake and Edgar, Photographers
1934 – 1955: Joys, Costumiers
1957: Goodwards Furnishers (Home Counties Ltd)
1959 – 1965: Thomas Cooke & Son, Furnishers, Provincial Insurance,V B Johnson & Partners, Surveyors
1966 – 1967: Thomas Cooke & Son, Furnishers, Provincial Insurance
1968: Williams, Furnishers, Provincial Insurance
1969 – 1976: Williams, Furnishers, Provincial Insurance, Newprint, Dellow Editorial
c.2008 – 2021: Debenhams, Superstore
See here for a more detailed list of owners and occupiers.