8 High Street
This property was researched by John Thurston
The earliest occupier was Charles Hull, a sadler, who is shown on the 1841 Census. By 1847 George Miller, a tailor, is in occupation until at least 1850.
In 1851 Samuel Rolls, a clothier, is briefly the shopkeeper with George Miller returning in 1853. Miller then stays until 1887.
The new occupant in 1890 is Thomas Coombs, a lace manufacturer who stays until 1892. The new owners in that year are the Town family, confectioners, who operate as Town and Co until 1900 and then as Misses Town (Emilie M Town and Julia M Town) until 1904. Mrs Florence Smith takes over the business in 1906 and is followed by Redmayne (1907 – 1908) and Maria M A Petrzywalski (1910).
A change of business occurs in 1911 when the Royal Insurance Co Ltd and Thomas Cockrill, an architect and surveyor, share the premises. By 1920 the Royal Insurance are the sole proprietors and stay for a further two years.
By 1924 Lewis, milliners, are in occupation and stay until 1936. (They share with Pollard and Holton, costumiers between 1929 – 1932).
Finally, immediately prior to demolition, a snack bar is on site in 1939 run by Mrs Sylvia Parker.
In 1940 all the Bank Buildings are demolished to make way for the extension of Bedford Bridge and no further buildings have been on site until the present day.
Summary of Occupiers
1841: Charles Hull, Sadler
c.1847 – 1850: George Miller, Tailor
1851: Samuel Rolls, Clothier
1853 – 1887: George Miller/George Miller and Son, Tailors
1855: Bank Buildings constructed, including No 8
1890 – 1892: Thomas Coombs, Lace Manufacturer
1892 – 1904: Town and Co/Misses Emilie M and Julia Town, Confectioners
1906: Mrs Florence Smith, Confectioner
1907 – 1908: Redmayne, Confectioners
1910: Maria M A Petrzywalski, Confectioner
1911 – 1922: Royal Insurance Co Ltd
1911 – 1915: Thomas Cockrill, Architect and Surveyor
1924 – 1936: Lewis, Milliners
1929 – 1932: Pollard and Holton, Costumiers
1938: Unoccupied
1939: Snack Bar, Mrs Sylvia Parker Proprietress
1940: Bank Buildings demolished to make way for Bedford Bridge extension
1940 – 2025: No buildings present on site