85 High Street

This property was researched by John Thurston. 

Front elevation to 85 High Street, Bedford c.1868 [BorBP170]

The building is first mentioned in a Sale in 1799. The site is described as having a Meeting House, Warehouse, Woodhouse, Poultry House and Pigsty. While their occupations are unknown, Messrs Ranger, Rowlson and Whitehouse are the occupiers [R6/5/13/4].

The new owner was presumably John Langley, a Tailor, who sells the property in 1821 to Elizabeth and Hannah Langley (relationship unknown) with all three occupying the site at the time [X803/48/49]. By 1834 Elizabeth Langley is the sole owner and occupier and is described on subsequent Censuses as being “Independent” an “Annuitant” or “ a Landed Proprietor” living with her housekeeper [X803/50].

A mortgage [X803/51] from 1867 shows new occupiers, Stansbury and Gunton, again occupations unknown.A year later the property is converted into a shop and house by Isaac Jones, a Linen and Woollen Draper. Along with his family he stays until at least 1877.

In 1881 Francis Gamman, a House Furnisher, is shown as the occupant along with his family.The Gamman family will subsequently run the business for at least the next 95 years, up until 1976.

In more recent times Superdrug, the Chemists, are shown in 1986, Orbit, trade unknown, pre 2008 and Brooks Hair and Beauty Salon from 2012 – 2021. 

Summary of Occupiers

1799: Meeting House, warehouse, woodhouse, poultry house and pigsty occupied by Messrs Ranger, Rowlson and Whitehouse.

C1799 – 1834: John Langley, Tailor, Elizabeth and Hannah Langley

1834 – 1867: Elizabeth Langley “Independent”, “Annuitant”, “Landed Proprietor”

1867: Messrs Stansbury and Gunton, Professions Unknown

1868 – 1877: Isaac Jones, Linen and Woollen Draper

1881 – 1976: Francis Gamman/Gamman and Sons/Gammans of Bedford, House Furnishers

1986: Superdrug, Chemists

Pre 2008: Orbit

2008: Vacant

2012 – 2021: Brooks Hair and Beauty Salon 

See here for a more detailed list of owners and occupiers of 85 High Street