57 High Street

This property was researched by John Thurston 

First mentioned in 1830, the shop was a milliners and dressmakers run by The Se(a)rgeant family, Sarah and Francis, c.1830, Robert, C.1839 – 1847 and Sarah (Jnr?) 1847.

In 1850 it became a game dealer’s and fishmongers under Thomas Collett who stayed until 1853. George Talboys Jones then took over as a butcher from 1853 – 1871. 

The next owner was Henry Adkin, a gunmaker, who pulled down the building in 1872 and had it rebuilt by the renowned architect, John Usher (his blue plaque is attached to the building).

Adkin, along with his sons, Henry and William, were in business on the premises from 1872 – 1953.

From 1928 – 1953 they shared the building with a number of other businesses, mainly assurance/insurance (see below). G. A. Dunn and Company, Hatters and Clothiers, then took over and, again with a variety of sublets, remained on site until 1991/2.

In recent times the building has been occupied by Subway, Food Retailers, from 2008 - 2023 and Italian Touch, Pizzeria, from 2024.     

Summary of Occupiers

1830: Sarah and Francis Sergeant, Milliners and Dressmakers

1839 – 1847: Robert Sergeant, Hatter

1847: Miss Sarah Sargeant, Milliner

1850 – 1853: Thomas Collett, Game Dealer and Fishmonger

1853 – 1871: George Talboys Jones, Butcher

1872 – 1953: Henry Adkin/Henry Adkin and Sons (Henry Charles & William Frederick), Gunmakers

1928 – 1966: Commercial Union Assurance Co Ltd, Assurance

1936 – 1940: Liverpool Victoria Insurance, Insurance

1940: Park Clothing and Supply Company Ltd

1947 – 1963: Ocean Accident & Guarantee Corporation Ltd

1947: Navy, Army & Air Force Institutes

1949/50 – 1963: Union Assurance Society

1949/50: McPherson, Timmins and Ednie, Chartered Accountants

1952: Steel Supply Company (Eastern) Ltd

1952: Wallace (Bedford) Ltd, Paper Merchants

1953 – 1992: Dunn and Company, Hatters, Clothiers,  Gentlemen’s Outfitters

1966 – 1975: Andrews, Pinch and Company Ltd, Heavy Haulage Contractors

1966 – 1976: C H Pinch (Collections) Ltd, Motor Car Collection and Delivery

1966 – 1975: J W Brown, Chartered Accountant

1991/2: Dunn and Co sold to Hodges Menswear

2008 – 2023: Subway, Food Retailer

2024: Italian Touch, Pizzeria and Ristorante