Post by Les on Apr 27, 2021 15:25:56 GMT
Edward Blakes Maidstone and Chatham
The first Edward Bates began business with a drapers shop in Chatham in 1869. The shop was run in a partnership with a Mr. Pain. Mr. Bates was only 18 at the time and had originally started his business life selling stock from the wreck of the 'Hisperia' situated off Gravesend.
The partnership with Mr. Pain was dissolved in 1871 and by 1877 Bates owned four shops in Chatham High Street. Edward Bates died in 1896 aged 45 and his son Edward found himself the owner of the business at the age of 24.
In 1900 the shops were put under one roof at 94-96 High Street, Chatham on the site of the former Manor House.
Edward Bates II became a co-founder of the Chatham Tradesmans' Association (now the Medway Chamber of Commerce) and continued his fathers work in campaigning for a weekly half day holiday and shorter working days for employees.
The firm became a Limited Company in September 1921 and Edward Bates III, son of Edward Bates II, joined the company in 1922, becoming director in 1925. Edward Bates III served as Managing Director for over 40 years and became company chairman in 1966.
He guided the company through the difficult period of the second world war and the resulting rationing of clothes. He also organised a team of fire watchers from amongst the staff to guard shops in Chatham High Street.
The business moved to new premises at Watts Place, 125 High Street, Chatham in September 1963, and in February 1966 Edward F. Bates IV (who joined the firm in 1951) succeeded his father as Managing Director.
The Company became a member of the Associated Department Stores group in 1966.
Blake and Son a ladies outfitters in Maidstone High Street was purchased by Bates in 1969 but it ceased trading in January 1978. Bates itself was sold to Bentalls in 1979.
EDWARD BATES LIMITED., DEPARTMENT STORE, HIGH STREET, CHATHAM AND OF BLAKE AND SON, LADIES OUTFITTERS, HIGH STREET, MAIDSTONE
Blake and Son was established in 1865 in the High Street, Maidstone.
It was a prestigious department store with accommodation above which at various times in the store's history.
housed sales staff or the owner's family.
In the 1920's the store was taken over by W.F.C. Miles and remained in his family until 1969.
Mr. R.P.G. Howes married Miss Marjorie Miles in October 1946 and took an active part in the running of the firm, and R.F. Frazer also had an interest in the firm at that time.
Although there are fairly complete financial records existing for the period after World War 2, there is nothing in the collection from before 1907, and corporate records only relate to 1947 and 1948.
Although the store was closed in 1978, its ornate facade was preserved and various items from the interior (which included a pulley-system for transporting bills and receipts from the cashers) were given to Maidstone Museum.
The first Edward Bates began business with a drapers shop in Chatham in 1869. The shop was run in a partnership with a Mr. Pain. Mr. Bates was only 18 at the time and had originally started his business life selling stock from the wreck of the 'Hisperia' situated off Gravesend.
The partnership with Mr. Pain was dissolved in 1871 and by 1877 Bates owned four shops in Chatham High Street. Edward Bates died in 1896 aged 45 and his son Edward found himself the owner of the business at the age of 24.
In 1900 the shops were put under one roof at 94-96 High Street, Chatham on the site of the former Manor House.
Edward Bates II became a co-founder of the Chatham Tradesmans' Association (now the Medway Chamber of Commerce) and continued his fathers work in campaigning for a weekly half day holiday and shorter working days for employees.
The firm became a Limited Company in September 1921 and Edward Bates III, son of Edward Bates II, joined the company in 1922, becoming director in 1925. Edward Bates III served as Managing Director for over 40 years and became company chairman in 1966.
He guided the company through the difficult period of the second world war and the resulting rationing of clothes. He also organised a team of fire watchers from amongst the staff to guard shops in Chatham High Street.
The business moved to new premises at Watts Place, 125 High Street, Chatham in September 1963, and in February 1966 Edward F. Bates IV (who joined the firm in 1951) succeeded his father as Managing Director.
The Company became a member of the Associated Department Stores group in 1966.
Blake and Son a ladies outfitters in Maidstone High Street was purchased by Bates in 1969 but it ceased trading in January 1978. Bates itself was sold to Bentalls in 1979.
EDWARD BATES LIMITED., DEPARTMENT STORE, HIGH STREET, CHATHAM AND OF BLAKE AND SON, LADIES OUTFITTERS, HIGH STREET, MAIDSTONE
Blake and Son was established in 1865 in the High Street, Maidstone.
It was a prestigious department store with accommodation above which at various times in the store's history.
housed sales staff or the owner's family.
In the 1920's the store was taken over by W.F.C. Miles and remained in his family until 1969.
Mr. R.P.G. Howes married Miss Marjorie Miles in October 1946 and took an active part in the running of the firm, and R.F. Frazer also had an interest in the firm at that time.
Although there are fairly complete financial records existing for the period after World War 2, there is nothing in the collection from before 1907, and corporate records only relate to 1947 and 1948.
Although the store was closed in 1978, its ornate facade was preserved and various items from the interior (which included a pulley-system for transporting bills and receipts from the cashers) were given to Maidstone Museum.