It was good to see that the new Bradbeers department store has now opened in the Blue Boar Row.

I recently had the pleasure of conducting some historical research for the owners prior to the grand opening and this reminded me of a photograph which I took in 2011.

The picture shows an area of the old Debenhams store which housed some of Salisbury’s ancient cobblestones and it was unfortunate that on my recent visit, they seemed to have been covered over or done away with.

If anyone can offer any information I would be grateful.

My updated research shows that in 1805, a linen and woollen drapery business was established by John Sparshatt in the Blue Boar Row, Salisbury. 

Salisbury Journal: Bradbeers on the morning it opened, Friday, October 27Bradbeers on the morning it opened, Friday, October 27 (Image: Spencer Mulholland)

MORE: PICTURES: See inside the new Bradbeers shop

He continued the business for 33 years eventually disposing of the business to his son-in-law, Mr. John Style, and Mr. Robert Large, both of whom had served their apprenticeship to him.

The business was registered under the name of Style and Large Ltd. Trading as wholesale drapers the company expanded and in 1867, John Large was replaced by George Gerrish.

This new company flourished and eventually Style and Gerrish Ltd had within its store, 50 departments selling everything from cosmetics, the latest fashion in cloths, shoes, furnishings, carpets, electrical goods and much more.

In 1972, during the marathon task of laying a new floor, an old staircase was discovered, together with a very fine stained glass window thought to be about 100 years old.

It was carefully removed and re-leaded at Salisbury Cathedral workshops and it can be seen in Bradbeers Blue Boar restaurant - the only place in the entire store where there is any memory of the old Style and Gerrish because within the stain glass are the initials, S and G.

No doubt Bradbeers will be a fine addition to Salisbury and we wish them the best of luck.