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79 High Street

Built in the early 19th Century, 79 High Street with No 77, possibly started as a grocers shop under Ebenezer Mayle. Certainly by 1825 it was a boot and shoemakers under William Kent who would stay until at least 1876 by which time the business had become a partnership of Kent and Gostwick. It then appears to have been used by Arthur Charles Plater and family, Plater being a Bank Manager for the London and County Bank whose premises were next door.

Around 1897 Dickins Brothers, Tea Merchants took occupation and would continue in business up until 1939. During this period, from 1910 onwards, a number of businesses would share the premises of 79/79A, including Madame Francois, Milliner, E N Ching, Dentist, the Political Office for Women, George Pemberton Allen, Architect, Newland and Nash Ltd, Brewers and Wells and Winch Ltd, Wine and Spirit Merchants.

From 1940 - 1955 onwards Wells and Winch Ltd were the main traders sharing the premises with the Bedford Probation Service.

From 1959 until 1973/4 the Refuge Assurance Company together with Mor Ray, Leather Goods, were the occupants. Refuge was replaced by Raynsfam Finance Ltd from 1973/4 until 1976. Latterly it has housed an Art Store, Druidston Gallery, a Cheque Centre Foreign Exchange and finally Maysons, a Menswear Store.        

In 1971 the property was Grade II listed. Its architectural interest “as a distinctive historic commercial building, which contributes strongly to the architectural character and diversity of Bedford’s High Street; for the architectural quality of its classical façade, which is enlivened by cornices, pediments, half columns, and decorative balconettes.” Its historic interest being “for the contribution it makes to the evolution of the historic High Street and development of the town.”

Summary of Occupiers

1810 – 1823: (Possibly) Ebenezer Mayle, Grocer

1825 – 1871: William Kent, Boot and Shoemaker

1876: Kent and Gostwick, Boot and Shoemakers

1885 – 1894: Arthur Charles Plater, Bank Manager for the London and County Bank

1897 – 1939: Dickins Brothers Ltd, Tea and Wine Merchants

1910 – 1911: 79A Madame Francois, Milliners

1914 – 1915: E N Ching, Dentist

1920 – 1921: Political Information Offices for Women, Florence Harris Secretary

1922 – 1925: George Pemberton Allen, Architect

1926 – 1938: Newland and Nash Ltd, Brewers

1938 – 1955: Wells and Winch Ltd, Wine and Spirit Merchants

1949 – 1955: Bedford Probation Service

1959 – 1972/3: Refuge Assurance Co Ltd

1959 – 1976: Mor-Ray Ltd, Leather Goods

1973/74 – 1976: Raynsfam Finance Ltd

2008 – 2012: Druidston, Art Gallery

2012: Cheque Centre, Foreign Exchange

2018 – 2024: Maysons, Gents Outfitters