QSH2/140-156

Purchase from T.T.Barnard 1934, includes leases: 1, 2 and 3 St Paul's Square, Bedford

1915 - 38

From: 1558 To: 1949

No. 1 was built in 1764 (date on W gable), almost certainly by Richard Cave, three times Mayor, and coal merchant, who also leased Herne chapel and yard for use as a coal-yard. He appears to have died by 1772 and was succeeded by another coal merchant, John Cawne, who died in 1775 in his second term of office as Mayor. The house and business were then bought by Joseph Barnard, who (though living till then at Earith) was already concerned with the coal trade. In 1785 Barnard bought the coal yard behind no. 3 (he had in 1776 given up Herne yard which became the Free School playground); and he began his banking business about 1801. He and his son and succesor Thomas continued to live at no. 1; but his grandson Thomas moved out to Cople House in the winter of 1854/5 and let no. 1 to Henry Wilson Sharpin, surgeon. Thomas Barnard also let nos. 2 and 3 when he acquired them in 1892. No. 1 was let in 1892 to Inland Revenue; subsequently to G C Walker; no. 2 was let to the firm of Eve; no. 3 was let to solicitors, in 1892 Jessop & Son, later E T Williams. The early history of No. 2 is obscure, but from 1818 to 1834 it was bought in four instalments by the Hinde family, plumbers and glaziers, who had no. 3. It was probably they who after 1834 added the thrid storey to no. 3 to bring it into line with no. 2. They sold it to Thomas Barnard with no. 3 in 1892. No.3 was an inn, at one time called the Falcon, later (1679) the Seven Stars. Soon afterwards (by 1705) probably as a result of the river being opened to navigation, its name was changed to the Ship, which it retained till the 19th century. Behind it was a wharf and coal-yard. Joseph Barnard secured the wharf and yard in 1785 but was never able to get possession of the inn; and it was his grandson Thomasw wo bought it in 1892. The whole block was acquired by the Council in 1934 for 8000.

sub-file