39 High Street
This property was researched by John Thurston.
While occupation of the site dates back to Medieval/Saxon times, the first recorded owners, John Parradine and his widow Martha Paradine are living in a Messuage/Inn called the “Ragged Staff” in c.1686 [ref: QSH2/42]. By 1737 the owners have become the Faldo family with William Faldo, an alderman, passing the Inn over on his death to Thomas Faldo who retains ownership until at least 1761 [ref: R6/5/11/1].
A Mr Webb is in occupation in 1737 and is presumed to be the Publican/Innkeeper.
From 1740 - 46 the Inn is being run by William Creak/Creek/Creake, Innkeeper.
In 1751 Thomas Webb is shown as the Innkeeper and he is replaced in 1753 by William Sammons.
The 1754 Alehouse Recognizances show both an Innkeeper, Richard Colby and a Victualler, John Church [ref: QSR1754/36A].
In 1761 while title and ownership remains with Thomas Faldo, the site is occupied by William Faldo (possibly his son).
A 1773 conveyance shows William Crick (probably William Creek mentioned above) still in occupation and then being replaced by Thomas Vaux [ref: W3060]. In the same year Palmers purchase the “Ragged Staff” from Lucas (Presumably both are Brewers?) [ref: W3042-W3060].
By 1797 the site is no longer an inn the “former” Ragged Staff being conveyed from William and Richard Parker, Merchants, to Benjamin and Ebenezer Malden, Bakers [ref: X380/60-61].
A 1798 abstract of title however confuses the picture somewhat by stating that the will of William Faldo gives the “Ragged Staff” to his son Paul with the site being late in the tenure of John Pawlin [ref: X380/59].
Certainly by 1806 the occupants are definitely the Malden family with Benjamin and Ebenezer running the bakery until 1839 when it is taken over by Benjamin’s son David Malden [ref: X380/62-63].
David stays until at least 1862 with his widow, Ann Malden, being listed in 1864 as a Baker and Confectioner. Briefly in 1869 Richard Thomas Town, also a Confectioner, is listed before a change of use occurs in 1871 when Arthur Wellsley, a bootmaker takes over.
The Wellsley family remain for the next 43 years until 1914.
The premises are then subdivided and used by a variety of businesses (see below), the most important being the Phoenix Assurance Co who are on site from 1914 – 1928.
In 1929 Johnson Brothers, Dyers and Cleaners, are followed by Bedford Photo Stores (1931 – 1932), M and N Horne Ltd, Mens Clothiers (1934), Maison D’Argent, Clothiers, (1936), Automatic Electrical Refrigerators (1938 – 1939), Beverleys Ltd, Wine and Spirit Merchants (1940)
From 1947 – 1961 the site is again subdivided between a number of businesses (see below). From 1949- 1965 the Bedform Dye Works are on site followed by Achille Serrre Ltd, also Dyers and Cleaners from 1966 – 1968.
In 1969/70 The Floor Shop are the occupiers.
From the following year until 1975 they share the premises with Steven – Howard, Press Printers, who are listed as No 39A.
In 1976 Pride and Property, Insulation Contractors, are the sole occupants.
Finally, Wilkinson/Wilko, Hardware Stores, take over from 2008 – 2023 with site currently standing empty
Summary of Occupiers:
Medieval/Saxon: Late Saxon and c. 15th century occupation found on site
1686: John Paradine, owner, conveys on death to Martha Paradine
1737 – 1761: William Faldo, alderman and owner passes to Thomas Faldo, owner
1737: Mr Webb, Innkeeper of Ragged Staff
1740 – 1746 & 1773: William Creek/William Creeke/Creake/Crick, Innkeeper of Ragged Staff
1751: Thomas Webb, Innkeeper of Ragged Staff
1753: William Sammons, Innkeeper of Ragged Staff
1754: Richard Colby, Innkeeper, John Church, Victualler
1760: William Faldo, owner, passes to Thomas Faldo, owner
1761: Thomas Faldo, owner and occupant, William Faldo, owner
1773: Palmers purchase from Lucas Ragged Staff, owners
1773: William Crick then Thomas Vaux, Innkeepers
1797: William and Richard Parker, ? Innkeepers, to Benjamin and Ebenezer Malden, Bakers
1798: William Faldo to son Paul (Owners) late in occupation John Pawlin, Innkeeper
1806 – 1864: Malden Family (Benjamin, Ebenezer, David and Ann), Bakers and Confectioners
1869: Richard Thomas Town, Confectioner, Cook, Dining Rooms, Beers, Wine & Tea Merchant
1871 – 1914: Arthur Wellsley and Son, Bootmakers
1914 – 1928: Phoenix Assurance Co Ltd
1914 – 1915: Chase Continuous Cloche Ltd, ? Gardening Supplies
1914 – 1915: Bedford Tract Press, Printers
1915: Kilrains Dental Institute
1920 – 1922: Britannic Assurance Ltd
1923: Y J Lovell and Son, Building Contractors
1924: The Bedford Boot, Bootmakers
1928: London Guarantee and Accident Co, Assurance
1929: Johnson Brothers, Cleaners and Dyers
1931 – 1932: Bedford Photo Stores
1934: M and N Horne Ltd, Mens Clothiers
1936: Maison D’Argent, ?Clothiers
1938 – 1939: Automatic Electrical Refrigerators Ltd
1940: Beverleys Ltd, Wine and Spirit Merchants
1947: Leys and Brown, Chartered Accountants
1947: Bedford National Savings Committee, ?Savings Bank
1949 – 1965: Bedford Dye Works, Dyers and Cleaners
1949: W E Long and Co, Chartered Accountants
1949: Car Valeting Services Ltd
1952 – 1961: Mellows and Sons, Solicitors and Commissioners of Oaths
1966 – 1968: Achille Serre Ltd, Dyers and Cleaners
1969 – 1975: The Floor Shop, Carpeting, Wallpapers and Curtains
1976: Pride and Property, Insulation Contractors
2008 – 2023: Wilkinson/Wilko, Hardware Stores
2024: Empty