7 High Street
This property was researched by John Thurston
Frontal view of buildings on east side of High Street, including Wild's of Bedford Ltd, sports goods (no.7) to the left of Wimpy, 1974 [PL/PH/7/52]
7 High Street and other addresses along the east side of the High Street are shown on maps from as early as 1610.The first known inhabitant was William White, a Printer, who is shown living at the address from at least 1830 up until 1850.
William J Green, a Grocer, and family then take over until 1853.The shop then becomes a Woollen Linen Drapers under Nathaniel G Sturges until around 1869. The 1871 Census shows James Rogers Porter, a Printer and Bookseller as the new owner. The family business continues at No 7 right up until 1929 under James and then his son, Rogers Giblin Porter. Latterly Rogers Giblin Porter trades as both a Stationer and then as a Jeweller and Silversmith.
In 1930 the new owners are J A Hague and Son (Sidney James Hague) , Sports Outfitters. They remain until 1959 when the building is demolished. By 1960 Swan Court has been built replacing No’s 3 – 7.
The first occupants of the new No 7 are G A Wild and Son/Wilds of Bedford , Sports Goods Dealers who are on site from 1963 – 1975.Latterly County Town Books (1988 – 2014) and Russo, Hair Dressing Salon (2015 – 2021) have been the owners.
Summary of Occupiers
1830 – 1850: William White, Printer
1850 – 1853: William J Green, Grocer
1854 – 1869: Nathaniel Sturges, Woollen Linen Drapers
1871 – 1900: James Rogers Porter, Printer and Stationer
1900 – 1929: Rogers Giblin Porter, Stationer (up to 1923) and Jeweller (from 1924)
1920 – 1921:Edward Charles Fagan, Jewellers Manager
1922 – 1923: Thomas Bailey Lea/Lee. Printers Foreman
1925: No 7A : Charles Farquhar Jones, Tenant (?)
1930 – 1959: J A Hague and Son (Sidney James Hague)
1947 – 1957: A. Austin, Tenant (?)
1959: Building Demolished
1960: Swan Court (No’s 3 – 7) Erected
1963 – 1975: G A wild and Son/Wilds of Bedford Ltd, Sports Goods Dealers
1988 – 2014: County Town Books
2015 – 2021: Russo, Hairdressing Salon
See here for a more detailed list of owners and occupiers of 7 High Street.