Description

Admin History:

Hammond's of Hull began as linen and drapery business with a shop at North Bridge, Hull founded by H.W. Hammond's in 1821. A later store was established in the 1860s in Osborne Street. This store occupied one shop, no. 31 Osborne Street but later expanded to include nos. 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41 & 43 Osborne Street. H.W. Hammond died in 1874 and the business was owned by a Mr. Wells. In 1889 William and Henry Powell travelled from Brighouse to Hull to value the business. Their father James Powell had considerable business experience. James had trained in London and Paris and was based in Wakefield and Brighouse combining his drapery business with his professional practice as a valuer. Attracted by the potential of the Hammonds store in Hull, William and Henry Powell bought it.

The name Hammond's became synonymous with Hull and built up a reputation throughout Yorkshire and beyond. Although the business flourished, Osborne Street was out on limb as the centre of Hull was developing. By 1912 the William and Henry Powell were joined by their brother, Samuel. They started their search for land to build a new store. A location was identified which bounded by Brook Street, West Street, South Street and Jameson Street making up almost one acre. The site had the advantage of Paragon Station now fronting Brook Street rather than Anlaby Road.

Hammond's had been a partnership between the brothers, but more finance was needed, a private company was formed to provide the necessary capital for the purchase of land and the building of a new store. Despite the outbreak of war in 1914, the new store, designed by Hull firm, Gelder and Kitchen opened in its doors on 16 October 1916.

On the 7 and 8 May 1941 Hammond's was hit during an air raid. Within the week, 47 departments from Hammond's were re-housed in West Street. William Powell died in 1943 outliving both his brother's, Henry, and Samuel. He was highly regarded in business circles and often referred to as 'Father'. It wasn’t until 1952 that Hammond's reopened, rebuilt on the site of the previous store destroyed in 1941. In 1968 Hammond's made the decision to expand outside of Hull. Two Bridlington stores were purchased. Carlton Ltd. established in 1918, fronting King Street and Chapel Street, and Harry Davis and Co. Ltd. In early 1969 Carlton's was demolished and work began on the new store. The new Hammond's Bridlington store opened 21 May 1970. Despite being a smaller than the Hull store, it offered similar services.

In 1971 Hammond's celebrated its 150th anniversary. A year later in 1972 the Powell family sold Hammond's to the House of Fraser. It was believed the sale would give Hammond's better buying facilities moving forward. The transfer of the Hammond's into the House of Fraser group was completed in September 1972. John Powell, grandson of James Powell retired as Chairman in February the following year thus bringing an end to the family occupying the office of Chairman. House of Fraser changed the name of the store to Binns. This change of name was somewhat received unenthusiastically. In 1989 the Hammond's name was reinstated. The store closed in August 2018 after Sports Direct took over the House of Fraser group. In September 2021 the building was renovated and opened as an artisan food hall on the ground level known as HoH Food Hall with and rentable office space above. The Food Hall closed in 2023. ResQ moved into the first floor of the building in 2021 and since 2023 occupy the second floor. As of October 2024, it is reported that ResQ are to expand into third and fourth floors of the building.

Description:

Publications and other printed material produced by Hammond's. Includes newscuttings, souvenir publication material (1821-1971); memos of Hammonds; General Register for Factories containing prescribed forms of certificates of fitness of young persons for employment and accident reports for Hammond's; logbook of headteachers reports relating to pupils and references from previous employers; miscellaneous items relating to W.W. Hammond & Co. whose premises were located on Osborne Street. Collected by Sheila Bedford during and after her employment at Hammond's.