70 High Street
This property was researched by John Thurston
It is very likely that James Langley, a Draper, was the first known occupant of No 70 High Street, obtaining a mortgage in 1808.
His daughter, Rebecca Wilson Langley, a Milliner and Dressmaker, married Samuel Claydon, a Draper and they set up shop at No 70 which was known as “Langley House” and as such is shown on several Photographs (see below).
The Family connection to the building is therefore obvious.
Claydon and his wife are shown as operating the joint business from at least 1839 up until 1851.
The business is then taken over by Shrosberry and Spawton , with Thomas Spawton and family living on site in the early 1860’s.
By 1868 a new draper, Alfred Jermyn, is in charge with the site being occupied by his staff (Housekeeper, Assistants, Apprentices and Housemaid).
By 1876 James Ward Maxwell is the occupant who is followed in 1881 by Walter J Valentine, with his family and Staff.
From 1885 until 1890 Maxwell and Thompson run the business followed by James W Maxwell in 1892/3.
A single Directory entry in 1897 then mentions John Wilson.
From 1900 until 1936 Alfred Walker occupies the site with his staff. The business closes in 1936 and the building is demolished and rebuilt the following year.
A change of business then occurs with Manfield and Sons Shoe Co Ltd taking charge from 1938 – 1968.
During this period subletting takes place at No 70a and No 70b to a variety of businesses (Travel Agents, Outfitters, Assurance Co etc) listed below.
From 1969 – 1976 the site is again sublet with the main occupants being Cassette (1970 – 1973) and Travex (1973 – 1976) Travel Agents.
In Recent times No 70 has been occupied by Subwich (2008), Casbah Café (2009 – 12) Bluberi (2014) Valentino Restaurant (2015), Kitchenalia (2016 – 2018) and Autism Bedfordshire (2019 – 21).
Summary of Occupiers
c.1808: James Langley, Draper, obtains Mortgage on Premises in the High Street
1839 – 1851: Samuel Claydon, Draper, and Wife Rebecca Wilson nee Langley, Milliner and Dressmaker
1861 – 1864: Shrosberry and Spawton , Drapers, (Thomas Spawton on site)
1868 – 1871: Alfred Jermyn, Draper
1876: James Ward Maxwell, Draper
1881: Walter J Valentine, Draper
1885 – 1890: Maxwell and Thompson, Drapers
1892 – 1893: James W Maxwell, Draper
1897: John Wilson, Draper
1900 – 1936: Alfred Walker/Alfred Walker Ltd, Draper
1937: Building demolished and rebuilt
1938 – 1968: Manfield and Son Ltd, Boot and Shoe Dealers
1947 – 1967: Fleming, Reid and Co Ltd (70a), Wool Stores
1947 – 1956: Milo’s Restaurants Ltd (70b)
1956 – 1959: R H Jewson Ltd, Coffee Bar (70b)
1960?: Little Chef, Restaurant (70b)
1960 – 1963: Baked Potato Coffee Bars (70b)
1961: W J Shortland, Coffee Bar (70b)
1966 – 1973: Legal and General Assurance (70b)
1968 – 1970: Theobald Sewing Machines Ltd (70a)
1970 – 1973: Cassette Travel Agents (70a)