98 High Street

This property was researched by John Thruston  

Eve Brown at 98 High Street, 20 August 1970 [ref: BorBPH3/144]

While there is little information on the building, the site was probably occupied as early as 1839. George Clifton is listed as a Baker and Confectioner in the High Street and when he died in 1849, aged 44, his widow, Anne, took over the running of the business from 1850 until at least the mid 1850’s. From 1861 Thomas West, a Boot and Shoemaker, takes over and stays until the mid/late 1860’s. John Buzzard, also a Boot and Shoemaker, briefly takes charge in 1869 but by 1871 the site has become a Bakers again under Charles Hart, who runs the business from both 98 and 100 High Street.

The next change of occupier occurs around 1881 when Joseph Miller, a Surveyor, is living at No 98  along with his housekeeper. By 1890 the property has become a Drapers under Edward Henry Blyth. From 1892 until 1897 the occupants alternate between Blyth and John Atkinson Jackson, a Costumier, and Ernest Harry Gardner, a hatter. From 1897 onwards until 1908 Jackson and Gardner are the sole occupants. In 1910 Harris and Shelton, Milliners, and Allen Brothers, Tailors and Hatters, are listed.

From 1911 the partnership of Harris and Shelton, Drapers and Milliners, is listed which then becomes Harris and Lee from 1914 up until 1929. Aston and Aston Ltd, Gown Specialists, briefly take over in 1930 before John Wilson (Costumiers) Ltd become tenants from 1932 until 1938. From a catalogue of the shop fittings, fixtures and equipment of 98 High Street sold at auction by W & H Peacock, the building consisted of a ground floor back room, show room and front shop, and store rooms on the first floor [ref: PK1/4/77].

From 1939 until 1961 the business changes its name to becomes H and J Wilson Ltd, Costumiers. Eve Brown, a Costumier/Ladies Outfitters is first named in 1952 and the runs the business solely from 1963 until 1974.Latterly Van Allan, Fashions House (1975/6), Risk, Fashion Retailer, (2008) and Bedford House Dental Practice, Dentists, (2023) have been the owners.     

Summary of Owners and Occupiers of 98 High Street

1839 – 1849: George Clifton, Confectioner and Baker

1850 -  1854: Anne Clifton, Confectioner and Baker

1861 – C1868: Thomas West, Boot and Shoemaker

1869: John Buzzard, Boot and Shoemaker

1871 -  1876: Charles Hart, Baker

1881: Joseph Miller, Surveyor

1890 – 1892: Edward Henry Blyth, Draper

1892 – 1894: John Atkinson Jackson, Costunier

1897: Edward Henry Blyth, Draper

1897 – 1908: John Atkinson Jackson and Ernest Harry Gardner, Costumier and Hosier

1910: Harris and Shelton, Drapers and Milliners

1910: Allen Brothers, Tailors and Hatters

1911 – 1914: Harris and Shelton, Drapers and Milliners

1914 – 1929: Harris and Lee, Drapers and Milliners

1930: Aston and Aston Ltd, Gown Specialists

1932 – 1938: John Wilson, Costumiers Ltd

1939 – 1961: H and J Wilson Ltd, Costumiers

1952 & 1963 – 1974: Eve Brown, Costumiers

1975 – 1976: Van Allan, Fashions

2008: Risk, Fashion Retailer

2023: Bedford House Dental Practice, Dentists

See here for a more detailed list of owners and occupiers of 98 High Street