88 High Street

This property was researched by John Thurston 

The premises were known to have been a bakery in the 18th century with the first known bakers being the Malden family, initially Benjamin and Ebenezer, who stayed until the 1840’s. The business was then sold to Mary and William Pearson, also bakers, who were trading until at least 1876. A sales poster that year states “lately occupied by Mr Pearson and part occupied by Mr Farris, a Decorator, and Mr Frazer, a clothes Dealer”. The new owner by 1881 was William G Clarke, a Draper who stayed until around 1883.

The premises were then acquired, along with No.86, and rebuilt by Frederic Hockliffe, a bookseller. The Hockliffe family then traded up until 1947 when W.H Smiths took over. The business however continued to trade under the Hockliffe name until 1973. W.H Smith continued to trade until at least 1976.

Latterly the site has been used by Park Woodfine and Co, solicitors, from 1982 – 1986 and by Bedford College as a Training Centre Site from 2008 to the present day.

Summary of Occupiers

18th Century: “Premises were a Bakery with a yard at the rear”

c.1797 – 1840’s: Malden Family, Bakers (including Benjamin, Ebenezar, Benjamin Jnr)

1840’s – 1876: Mary and William Pearson, Bakers

c.1876: Part Occupied Mr Farris, Decorator & Mr Frazer, Clothes Dealer

1881 – c.1883: William G Clarke, Draper

1883 – 1947: Frederic Hockliffe/Frederic R Hockliffe, Bookseller (with No 86 High Street)

1947 – 1973: W.H Smith, Booksellers (Trading as Frederic R Hockliffe)

1974 – 1976: W.H Smith, Booksellers

1982 – 1986: Park Woodfine and Co, Solicitors

2008 – 2024: Bedford College (Training Centre/Skills Bank)