49 High Street

Originally the site of several messuages, the Ram Inn, Ram Yard and Stables around the early 1700’s.

The site was purchased by John Bull, a butchers son who became a Watchmaker and Jeweller in 1828/29. The business was run by John and continued by his sons, Richard and Thomas, eventually becoming a limited company. During this period the shop was rebuilt in 1878 and No 47 High Street purchased in either 1884 or more likely 1904 (see conflicting dates on spreadsheet below).

John Bull and Company would stay on site up until 1964 when they moved to St Peters Street and the premises were sold to Northampton Town & County Building Society (Nationwide).

The site at No 47 and 49 would remain a Building Society operating as the Anglia Building Society alongside Mellows and Sons (Solicitors and Commissioners of Oaths)  until 1994/1995 when the site was then sold piecemeal.

In recent times No 49 has operated as an Opticians (Alders, 2008 – 2012), a Charity Shop (RSPCA, 2014 – 2016), a Barbers (Rob’s Barbers Shop, 2018), a Vaping Shop (Vape Fever,  2019 – 2020) and an Acupuncturist’s (Magic Acupuncture, 2023 – 2024).

Summary of Occupiers

1710: Messuages and the Ram Inn (occupant William Becketts) first mentioned.

1719: Ram Inn in the occupation of Richard Sherman.

1719 – 1722: Indentures show various messuages, stable, the Ram Inn & Ram Inn Yard in the area of No 49.

1817: John Bull finishes his apprenticeship (possibly under John Cavit, a Watchmaker who was present on the site.

1828: John Bull, Watchmaker, Jeweller, Silver and Gold Smith, takes over the site.

1828 – 1964: John Bull/John Bull and Sons/John Bull and Co, run a watchmakers/Jewellers operate on the site

1878: Building demolished by Richard and Thomas Bull. New building has an elaborate brick facade, with a large projecting clock and golden bull (a pun on the family name).

1884 or 1904: No 47 High Street acquired to extend the business premises.

1964: Business sold to Northampton Town & County Building Society (Nationwide).

1966 – 1994: Anglia Building Society and Mellows and Sons (Solicitors and Commissioners of Oaths).

2008 – 2012: Alders, Opticians.

2014 – 2016: RSPCA, Charity Shop.

2018: Rob’s Barbers Shop.

2019 – 2020: Vape Fever.

2023 – 2024: Magic Acupuncture.

For more detailed list of occupiers see here. 

List of sources at Bedfordshire Archives: 

• Z890/7: Abstract of Title to an undivided share in premises no.49 High St., Bedford, 1719-1880
• X171/62/64: Apprenticeship indenture of John Richard Bull to John Bull (father), Bedford. Watchmaker, 1840-1841
• Z50/13/310: John Bull's watchmakers' shop at 49, High Street, sketched by W.F.K. Austin., 1856
• BorBP648: Building plans for High Street, Bedford for Messrs. Bull & Company, 1878
• BorBP4159: Plan of alterations 47 and 49 High Street Bedford for Bull & Co, 1902
• Z983/1: Bedford High Street. View of the east side looking north from Bull & Son jewellers at No. 49, c.1905
• Z50/9/171: 47 & 49 High Street. Jn Bull & Co. jewellers., n.d.