The Story of No.7 George Street

Number 7 is now an insurance brokerage office. The building was built on land owned by the Rivers family Estate around 1798/99.

In 1799, the building was first leased to Fredrick Albrecht, a stay-and-habit maker.

In 1805, The Building was taken over by J. Spreat, a Toy and Fancy Turner, and Albrecht seems to have moved to Milsom Street.

In 1819, the building was taken over as W Ellen China and glass warehouse, and J. Spread is now operating as a perfumer working out of 30 Milsom Street.

1825 W Ellen hands control of the business to his former assistant and relative, William Hick

1846 William Hick, living at 7 Barton Buildings, describes the building as a china, glass, lamp, and chandelier warehouse.

1848 Hick moves to better premises at 20 Milsom Street, & George Street is acquired by James Bryer, auctioneer and upholsterer, acquires George Street.

1852 James Bryer sold his business to Thomas Knight.

1857 Thomas Knight Auction House sells everything from houses to parrots and dogs

1858-9 The Bath Directory lists Knight Thomas, upholsterer, &c., 7, George Street; residence, 4, Richmond Hill

1865 Hollway & Steel Printers acquired the building

1866 Mr Hancock holds an auction at 7 to sell Steel’s stock, and Thomas Knight offers the premises for sale or rent

From 1867 to 1869, Thomas Knight is still using 7 as an auction house.

1869 Madam Dubois is operating a Milleners

1872 Madam Dubois announces her return to number 7 from Paris. Presumably to collect new fashions.

1880 Henry Eve is operating Number Seven as an auction house.

1881 Number 7 becomes the Hawkins and Son auction house.

In 1893, Patton and Sons Cooks and Confectioners traded at Number 7 until Patton’s trading licence was transferred to George Hurding.

1905  George Hurding is operating a liquor store.

1906 George Hurding is running the premises as a restaurant.

1910 Hurding is described as a confectioner of 7 George St in an enquiry into a suicide, where he was a witness.

1913 to 1914 Hurding is running number 7 as a cafe.

1916 A Barmaid is reported as stealing spoons from William Stanley's Dining Rooms

1920 The Rivers estate sells many of its freeholds, including 4 - 12 George Street

1922 and 1923

Stanley Marks is advertising bread and Christmas trinkets for sale. He is described as a confectioner.

1927 to 1931

Marks is running number 7 as a Cafe.

1931 

Marks forms a company valued at £15000 to run his and his partners’ several cafes, including No. 7

Sourced from:

Various issues of the Bath Chronicle

Bath Directories