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Walker and Atkinson: corn merchants of Stratford-upon-Avon

Description

Business records relating to the firm of Walker and Atkinson, corn-merchants of Shipston-on-Stour and Stratford-upon-Avon, comprising ledgers, account books and some loose papers.

Custodial History

The firm remained at its Sheep Street address until the 1950s, and these papers were salvaged at this address during alterations in 1999. They were in very poor condition and, as far as loose papers (mainly invoices) were concerned, only those which had survived in original bundles were retained.

Admin History

The firm of Walker and Atkinson appears to have begun trading at Shipston-on-Stour in 1899, dealing not only in corn, but also in coal and coke. A branch is first recorded in Stratford-upon-Avon directories in 1906, occupying premises in New Street. In 1908, the firm was briefly recorded in Union Street, but by 1909 it had moved to nos 10 and 11 Sheep Street. By this time these offices had clearly become the firm's headquarters although an office was retained at Shipston and others opened in Stow-on-the-Wold, co. Glos [Gloucestershire]., and Chipping Norton and WItney, Oxon [Oxfordshire]. The firm remained at its Sheep Street address until the 1950s, trading under the name The Walker Company from 1928.