91 High Street

This page was researched by John Thurston

The site has had a variety of occupiers traceable back as far as the late 18th century. The site roughly covering the area of 87-93 High street had previously been the site of a mansion house which, according to a sales particular of 1799 comprised of two bedrooms, and two dark rooms in the attic, six chambers with a dressing room and closets on the first floor, a hall, dining room, parlour, breakfast room, music, room, kitchen, scullery, and coal cellar on the ground floor, with beer and wine cellars in the basement. The property also had a forecourt with water pump, yard and drying ground, kitchen garden, a stable with two stalls and loft, a larg washhouse, shed, and woodhouse, paddock and ground formerly used as a coke yard, and a summerhouse. The mansion house had been in the occupation of a Mr Whitehouse and Mr Barnard [ref: R6/5/13/4]

In 1839 John Clare, a Hairdresser and Perfumer, is shown as being in residence. The 1841 Census indicates he was living with either his wife or sister Sarah.

John remains until around 1861/2 when Ann Hodgkins, a Milliner and Dressmaker, takes over along with her sister Eliza.

Around 1871 Frederick Semark , a General Hardware Merchant, takes over the Premises with his family and remains until 1876. The business then transfers to Francis Gamman, also a Hardware Dealer.

 A change of Trade is shown on the 1881 Census when Elinora Clubnall, a Fancy Toy Proprietress, is running the business with several assistants. Around 1885 Madame E L J Routley, a Fancy Draper and Milliner, has taken over the business. She is followed by Frederick James Bobby in 1887 and then John Venn in 1890, both Millinery, Mantle Makers and Drapers. John enlarges the business to encompass No 93 High Street in 1892 and stays until at least 1894. In 1897 Hockney, Stidolph and Hockney are the new owners of the two addresses. 

In 1900 the name changes to Hockney and Company. The 1901 Census shows that the premises are inhabited by, presumably, Hockney and Company’s housekeeper , Hannah L Carnes and 7 Drapers Assistant Boarders.

In 1903 the name changes once again  to Hockney Brothers and from 1908 – 1911 operates from 89, 91 and 93 High Street. 

The next occupants from 1914 onwards are Hope Brothers Ltd, described as Clothiers and Gents Outfitters, who run the business from 91 and 93 High Street. They remain for the next 60 years, up until 1974. 

91-95 High Street, Bedford, 2024

In recent times the twin premises have housed a Wallpaper Shop, Art Wallpapers, in 1975 and 1976 and a Charity Shop, Spastics Society/Scope, from 1992 – 2008. From 2012 until 2024 Oxfam were resident. It is now Sam's Chicken Shop. 

Summary of Occupiers

1839 – 1854: John Clare, Hairdresser and Perfumer

1861 – 1871: Ann and Eliza Hodgkins, Milliners and Dressmakers

1871 – 1876: Frederick Semark, General Hardware Merchant

1876: Francis Gamman, Hardware Dealer

1881 – 1885: Elinora Clubnall, Fancy Toy Proprietress

1885: Madame E L J Routley, Fancy Draper and Milliner                    

1887: Frederick James Bobby, Millinery and Mantle House

1890 – 1894: John Venn, Millinery and Mantle

1897: Hockney, Stidolph and Hockney, Drapers

1900 - 1902: Hockney and Company, Ladies and Childrens Outfitters

1901: Hannah L Carnes, Housekeeper (Presumably for Hockney and Company)

1903 – 1914: Hockney Brothers, Ladies and Childrens Outfitters

1914 – 1974: Hope Brothers Limited, Clothiers and Gents Outfitters

1975 – 1976: Art Wallpapers, Wallpaper Shop

1992 – 2008: Spastics Society (Scope), Charity Shop

2008 – 2009: Empty

2012 – 2024: Oxfam, Charity Shop

2024: Sam's Chicken Shop

See here for a more detailed list of owners and occupiers of 91 High Street