61 High Street
This property was researched by John Thurston
The first mention of the occupiers of 61 High Street comes from late Georgian times when William Walker, a Hatter, is found in Trade Directories from 1830 onwards. He operated the business until he died in 1846 and his widow Matilda Walker (Snr) took over. On Matilda’s death her daughter, also Matilda (Jnr) , then took over.
On Matilda’s death the business passed over to Ann Bailey, a Straw Hatter, in C 1881.
The next incumbent in 1885 was Charles Thomas Taylor, a Hosier, Hatter and Outfitter, who stayed until 1889.
Both 59 and 61 High Street were rebuilt in that year and the next occupier shown was Frederick Thomas Howard, a Stationer, who ran a Stationer’s from 1891 and later a Newspaper.business (The “Bedfordshire Standard” ) from 1894.
By 1902 Howard was sharing the premises with Melvin R D Fleming, a Dentist and Phipps and Co, Wine Merchants.
From 1904 – 1911 Phipps and Co had gone but Howard and Fleming still remained.
In 1914 Howard was now on site with E Page and Co, Ironmongers.
Between 1914 – 1925 Fleming was the sole occupier.
A change of business took place in 1926 when J Pullar and Son, Dyers and Cleaners. and Mrs S A Ham and Bessie H Ham, Antique Jewellery and China Dealers at 61A were on site.
By 1928 the Hamm’s had gone to be replaced at 61A by Walter Bradley , a Stationer.
A Hairdresser, Mr Alec Hawkins is briefly mentioned in 1929.
From 1930 – 1940 a host of businesses occupy both 61 and 61 A (see below for details).
After the War the main occupiers are W.Barratt and Co Ltd, Boot and Shoe Manufacturers.
They share the premises with Bedfordshire County Council Planning Department from 1952 – 1961 and Radio Exchange (Bedford) Ltd, Radio Component Dealers from 1965 -1967.
From 1968 a name change from W Barratt to Stylo Shoes takes place and they continue to share the property with Radio Exchange (1968 – 1973) and then Dollies Boutique (1973 – 1976).
Latterly the premises have been occupied by Coleman Stationers (1991) and then Jagged Edge, Hair Salon/Barbers (2008 – 2024).
Summary of Occupiers
1830 – 1846: William Walker, Hatter
1847 – 1871: Matilda Walker Snr, Hatter
1871 – 1876: Matilda Walker Jnr, Hatter
1881 – c.1884: Ann Bailey, Straw Hatter
1885 – c.1889: Charles Thomas Taylor, Hosier and Hatter
1889: 59 and 61 High Street Rebuilt
1891 – 1925: Frederick Thomas Howard, Stationer and Newspaper Proprietor (“Bedfordshire Standard”)
1903 – 1911: Melvin R D Fleming, Dentist
1914: E Page and Co, Ironmongers
1926 – 1930: J Pullar and Son, Dyers and Cleaners.
1926 – 1928: (61A) Mrs S A Ham & Bessie H Ham, Antique Jewellery and China Dealers
1928 – 1930: (61A) Walter Stanley Bradley, a Stationer
1929: (61A) Alec Hawkins, Ladies Hairdresser
1929: (61A) Harold Stanley Spong, Trade Unknown
1929 – 1930: (61A) Forestry, Pulp and Paper Co of Australia Ltd
1930 – 1938: Car and General Insurance
1930 – 1932: (61A) Mrs Winifred Violet Smith, Loose Covers Dealer
1931: Veterinary Insurance Co Ltd
1931 – 1932: Car Services Ltd, Car Maintenance
1931 – 1967: W Barratt and Co Ltd, Boot and Shoe Manufacturers
1934: New Era Trading Co, Tailors and Drapers Trade Exchange
1934 – 1940: Betterwear Brushes Ltd, Brush Manufacturers
1934 – 1940: Hannetta Ltd, Medical Supplies
1952 – 1961: (61A) Bedfordshire County Council Planning Department
1965 – 1973: Radio Exchange (Bedford) Ltd, Radio Components
1972 – 1976: Stylo Shoes, Boot and Shoe Dealers
1973 – 1976: Dollies, Boutique
1991: Colemans, Stationers
2008 – 2024: Jagged Edge, Hair Salon/Barbers