56 High Street

This property was researched by John Thurston

An ancient site first mentioned under rents for Newnham Priory in 1506, it originally housed the Crown Inn. Mentioned sporadically in the 18th century, it was last mentioned as an inn in 1823 when Elizabeth Benson was the innkeeper.

It then became a chemists and druggists Shop under George Burnham from 1830 – 1841. By 1847 Charles Bithrey, a postmaster and tea dealer, was in residence staying until at least 1854. From c.1861 William Draper, an outfitter, was the shopkeeper, and the family business under the draper name would continue right up until 1937. The shop was then demolished to enable the widening of the adjacent Silver Street and the address would disappear.     

Summary of Occupiers

1506: Crown Inn referred to under Newnham Priory Rents

1702: Crown to use of :1 John Austin, 2 Elizabeth Austin for life, 3Alsop & Murrell in trust for Hazard

1764: Will of William Odell shows Reversion to Stephen Odell in tenure of Thomas Woodroofe

1769: Late in Occupation of William Stephens (? Stephen Odell owner)

1786: Alienations: Stephen Odell to Joseph Barnard; Crown Inn, Bedford

1788: (Alderman) Edward Chapman, owner

1791: ? Edward Chapman Senior, Currier

1823/4: Elizabeth Benson, Innkeeper, of the Crown. High Street

1830 – 1841: George Burnham, Chemists and Druggists

1847 – 1854: Charles Bithrey, Postmaster and Tea Dealer

1861 – 1937: William Draper/ William Enoch and John Draper, Outfitters and Clothiers

1937: Shop demolished to enable widening of adjacent Silver Street