4 High Street

First known occupant was Lilly Josh (?Joseph) and family, fishmongers in 1841.

Henry Robert Shelton, a carver, gilder and paperhanger, takes over from 1847-1854. The building is then demolished and replaced by Joseph Barnard’s Bank Buildings (No’s 2 – 14) in 1855.

William Stewart, the Postmaster for Bedford, is shown from around 1861 living at either No 4 or No 6 up until at least 1876. Both No 4 and No 6 appear to have been used as one residence/shop from this period.

William Dust, a draper, runs his business from both premises from 1879/80 until 1887 when he moves to No 75 High Street. The new owners of No’s 4 – 6 are George Miller and Son, Tailors and Woollen Drapers who stay for the next 34 years until 1924.

A change of use occurs in 1925 when the Singer Sewing Machine Co Ltd operate until 1939.

The Bank Buildings are subsequently demolished in 1940 to make way for the extension of Bedford Bridge.There have then been no further buildings on site until the present day.  

Summary of Occupiers

1841: Lilly Josh (?Joseph) , Fishmonger

1847 - 1854: Henry Robert Shelton, a Carver, Gilder and Paperhanger

1861 – 1876: William Stewart, Postmaster for Bedford

1879/80 - 1887: William Dust, Draper

1890 – 1924: G Miller and Son, Tailors and Woollen Drapers

1925 – 1939: Singer Sewing Machine Co Ltd

1940: Bank Buildings demolished to make way for Bedford Bridge extension

1940 – 2025: No buildings present on site