Prince and Pugh
In 1871 at 27, High-street, Knighton was an ironmongers business run by John Field Thatcher and William Burlton Steadman. Both were landowners and ironmongers.
By 1881 John Fletcher had retired. William Steadman moved his business to 24, Broad-street, the present position of Prince and Pugh's.
William Edward Prince was born in Whitchurch on 16th February 1849. In 1881 he and his sister, Ruby, moved to 27, High Street, knighton, where William was an Ironmonger employing 2 shop assistants & 1 errand boy. This was the same year that William Prince married Annie Pugh Evans in Ludlow.
Montgomeryshire Express - 12th June 1883
CAUTION TO TRADESMEN.
William Edward Prince, of High-street, ironmonger, was summoned by Inspector Rogers for causing an obstruction on the 24th May, by exposing a barrow for sale in the street on the 24th inst.—Fined 6d. and 6s. costs.
South Wales Daily News - 15th February 1884
KNIGHTON. LOCAL BOARD. At a meeting of this board on Wednesday, Mr J. D. Rutter presided. All present, Dr. Brown, Messrs Davies, Norgrove, Bache, Clee, Wilson, and James.
Inspector Rogers stated that Mr Prince, ironmonger, did not carry out the board's regulations with respect to the sale of petroleum. It was ordered that the clerk see Mr Prince, and unless he gives a written undertaking to comply with the regulations in future the board would not grant him a licence.
At some point William Prince went into business with Alderman Kell of Ross, Herefordshire. Alderman was not a status, it was actually his first name, like his father before him. Alderman Kell continued to run his agricultural implement manufacturing business, with his brother, in Ross.
Leominster News - 13 March 1885
KELL AND PRINCE, IRONMONGERS,
Knighton
Are now Selling off their stock of
DUPLEX & other LAMPS
previous to the close of the season
AT GREATLY REDUCED PRICES,
and
BREECH & MUZZLE LOADING GUNS.
An assortment of all the leading makers of
PLOUGHS and other Agricultural Implements.
always kept in stock
1891 sees William & Annie still in the High Street, they now have 5 children. Still at 24, Broad-street is William Steadman.
Birmingham Daily Post - 23rd May 1889
TINMAN Wanted, general jobbing work. Constant employment to steady man. —Kell and Prince, Ironmongers, Knighton.
The Montgomeryshire Express - 25th February 1896
KNIGHTON COUNTY COURT.
TUESDAY. CLAIM FOR GOODS DELIVERED.
Kell and Prince, ironmongers, Knighton, sought to recover from John Henry Dover, game and poultry dealer, Knighton, the sum of £4 10s for goods delivered.
The defendant denied his liability, stating that he did ask Mr Prince for a quotation for cellar lids, but he did not order him to procure any. The lids were brought to his premises, but he refused to take them, as they had no rings, and were too light for the work he wanted them for.
Mr Prince said that defendant went to him about the cellar lids, gave him the measurement, and pointed out the pattern he would like, and plaintiff was to get them as cheap as he could. He produced his order-book in support of this statement. Defendant refused to take them in because he did not like the pattern.
His Honour said it was a difficult case to decide, but he considered that the order-book bore out plaintiff's statement. He should give a verdict for plaintiffs, but without costs.
Radnor Express - 1st September 1898
NOT ACCORDING TO CONTRACT
A letter was read from Messrs Kell and Prince, Ironmongers, Knighton relative to eight iron bedsteads which had been supplied by them to the Guardians, and which the Committee appointed to inspect had reported were not according to pattern contracted for. After some discussion on the subject the Guardians decided that the Firm mast remove the bedsteads inasmuch as they (the Guardians) must adhere to the terms of the contract.
1901 William and Annie Prince have added to their brood with a further 3 children. They are still living at 27, High Street.
In 1901 William Burlton Steadman is still at 24, Broad street. He has an apprentice working for him by the name Frank Meanley. Frank was born in Wolverhampton in 1869, his father was an iron manufacturer.
Radnorshire Standard - 3rd September 1902
RUBBER TYRED RALLIE CAR. Brass Mounted. Suit Lady. By good maker.
Kell & Prince, Knighton.
Radnor Express - 27th November 1902
KELL & PRINCE,
The Knighton Agricultural Implement Warehouse.
---------------
Before purchasing your food-Preparing Machinery, ask for prices of CHAFF CUTTERS, TURNIP CUTTERS, PULPERS, OIL CAKE MILL, CORN CRUSHERS, &c., &c. It will pay you. Also for SHEEP RACKS (Wood and Iron Tops), CATTLE CRIBS, CALF CRIBS, PIG TROUGHS in gnat variety. BEDSTEADS & BEDDING DEPOT,
HIGH STREET, Knighton
Radnor Express - 18th February 1904
NEW ADDITIONAL SEATS.
For the erection of four new additional seats on the public walks the tender of Messrs Kell & Prince was accepted, that being the lowest.
Radnor Express - 21st April 1904
Surveyor's Report.
The Surveyor reported that the four additional seats ordered from Kell & Prince had been received, and had been fixed in the following places:- One each on the Garth, near the Well, and in Presteign road. The one at the far end of the wood was not exactly where directed, but a few yards further on, at a spot where a better view was obtainable, a statement with which the Chairman agreed.
In 1907 a heating boiler was purchased from Kell & Prince, Ironmongers, Knighton, by the Wesleyan Chapel Trustees.
Radnorshire Standard - 24th April 1907
CLOCK TOWER.
A letter was read from Mr. W. E. Prince (ironmonger) with reference to a space rented by him round the clock tower for the purpose of displaying his agricultural implements. Mr. Prince stated that the ground was not worth any more than half the rent he paid for it.
Mr. Allcock explained that auctioneers came there on fair days, and crowds of people gathered round and trampled on Mr Prince's goods.
Mr. James said he did not think it would be wise to drive the auctions out of the street. After some discussion, the clerk was directed to write Mr. Prince, informing him that they were prepared to reconsider the terms.
Radnorshire Standard - 10th July 1907
FOR SALE, one Massey-Harris Horse Rake (new), 9 feet wide, price £4 10s.
Kell & Prince, Knighton
Radnorshire Standard - 1st August 190
WICKER BATH CHAIR for sale; equal to new; price 27/6; worth double; can be seen. - Apply Kell & Prince, Ironmongers, Knighton.
The London Gazette
Publication date:25 October 1910
Issue:28428
Page:7566
NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between us the undersigned, Alderman Kell and William Edward Prince, carrying on business as Ironmongers, at Knighton, in the county of Radnor, under the style or firm of "KELL AND PRINCE," has been dissolved by mutual consent as and from the first day of October, 1910. AIL debts due to and owing by the said late firm will be received and paid by the said William Edward Prince.—Dated 21st day of October, 1910. ALDERMAN KELL. WILLIAM EDWARD PRINCE.
Radnor Express - 24th November 1910
High Street Ironmongery Establishment, Knighton, Radnorshire.
Dissolution of Partnership by mutual agreement. Reduction of Stock.
Messrs Prince & Sons hiving taken over the above business so long carried on by Kell & Prince, desire to state to their numerous customers and the public generally that they intend offering Genuine bargains in GENERAL FURNISHINGS, BUILDERS, AND AGRICULTURAL IRONMONGERY. from PRESENT DATE to the END OF DECEMBER.
1911 William Prince Snr. is still in High Street, his son William Edward Jnr is now taking more of an interest in the ironmongers business.
William Burlton Steadman, ironmonger, died, aged 80, on 28th January 1915 at 24 Broad street.
Frank Meanley took over the running of the business at 24, Broad street, and went into business with Cecil Francis Pugh. Cecil was the son of John Pugh, a farmer from Stowe Farm, Stowe, Shropshire originally of Lower Cwmheyope, Llangunllo.
The Brecon Radnor Express - 5th August 1915
HARVESTING & DAIRY APPLIANCES.
Mowers, Horse Rakes, Haymakers, Reapers, Binders and all kinds of harvesting machinery.
Mellotta and Wolseley Separators Fixed.
Oil & Petrol Engines of various makes always in stock. (inspection invited)
MEANLEY & PUGH, KNIGHTON.
The Brecon Radnor Express - 21st October 1915
Knighton Council.
THE PUMPING ENGINE.
At Knighton Urban Council, on Wednesday evening, there were present Messrs. J. Blower, J.P. (in the chair), A. M. Pugh, E. Probert, T. A. Lote, W. Williams. H. Smith, W. James, W. Hamar, T. B. Dove, Edward Griffiths and Dr. Griffiths. Mr W. A. Collins (clerk) and Mr David Lewis (surveyor).
The surveyor reported that, as he had heard nothing of the steam-roller, he was spreading fine chippings on the streets where necessary. The pump was being worked all right by Mr Pugh and their own man, Mr Evans. There was, however, a little leakage, and he (the surveyor) suggested getting a man from Mr Norton's to see that it was repacked. With reference to the pumping-engine, it was explained that Mr W. A. Roberts could make no alteration in the terms he had offered to the council, so the chairman had been deputed to see Messrs. Meanley and Pugh on the matter. Mr Pugh had arranged to give Evans two lessons per week for two months at 10/- per week, and, as the surveyor had reported, the pumping was going on satisfactorily. Mr Dove congratulated the chairman on the arrangement and called attention to the water-supply at Cwmevar. After some discussion, a committee, consisting of the chairman. Mr Hamar, Mr Pugh and Mr Dove, was appointed to visit the supply and report.
The Brecon Radnor Express - 27th April 1916
Meanley and Pugh, Ironmongers, etc., Knighton
Agent for Ransome's Ploughs, Cultivators and Spring Tooth Harrows,
Mellotte Separators Fixed. Wolseley and Cooper Stewart Shearing
Machines in stock. Enquiries Solicited.
In 1922 Cecil Francis Pugh married Grace Meredith in Ludlow.
On 3rd April 1923, young William Edward Prince married Frances Ruby Jane Baker, a local girl.
On 13th July 1923 Frank Meanly died, leaving Cecil Pugh to run the business at 24, Broad street.
In 1923 Cecil and Grace Pugh had a son John William Cecil Pugh.
On 5th April 1924 William & Frances Prince become parents of a son, John Prince.
On 13th March 1927 Cecil and Grace Pugh had a son Ralph Edward Meredith Pugh.
On 29th March 1929 William Edward Prince Snr dies, aged 80, his son William Edward Jnr takes over his father's business at 27, High Street.
1939 sees William Edward Jnr and his wife and son are ironmongers still at 27, High Street.
Birmingham Daily Post - 23rd September 1940
CARAVAN Trailers - 4 berth, fully equipped, good second-hand, delivered 50 miles radius in safe areas - Pugh, Ironmonger, Knighton, Rads,
Western Mail - 16th July 1945
CASE DISMISSED
William Edward Prince. High-street Knighton, ironmonger, was charged at the magistrates' court at Knighton with offering for sale controlled goods at a price exceeding the maximum. It was stated that an 8in. stewpan which should have been for 4s. 11½d. was sold priced at 6s. and a pie dish which should be sold for 1s. 8d. was priced at 2s. 3d.
Prince pleaded not guilty and the case was dismissed on payment of £11 10s. costs.
On 5th May 1947 Cecil Francis Pugh died at 24, Broad Street. aged 58,
John Prince marries Eunice Mary Edwards on 12th June 1948.
Kington Times - 19th June 1948
PRETTY PRESTEIGNE WEDDING.
Considerable local interest was evinced in the wedding of Miss Eunice Mary Edwards, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Edwards, of Foesidoes, Presteigne, and Mr. John Prince, son of Mr. W. E. and the late Mrs. Prince, of Knighton, Rad., which took place a Ackhill Baptist Church, Presteigne last Saturday. The bridegroom served in the Fleet Air Arm during' the war. At the choral service the hymns "The Lord is my Shepherd" and "0 perfect love" were sung, the organist being Miss J. J. Passey, of Ackhill.
The bride, given away by her father, wore an ivory lace dress over tulle, with train cut in skirt, and tulle veil with wreath of orange blossom. Her only ornament a string of pearls, and she carried a bouquet of pink carnations.
Attending as bridesmaids were Miss June Edwards (sister), in a full pale pink net dress over silk, and Miss Sybil Pugh (cousin) and Miss June .Allcock (friend), both of Whom were in hill pale blue net dresses over silk. Each wore a feathered head-dress and carried a bouquet of pink and blue sweet peas. The ornaments were pendants on chains, the gift of the bridegroom. Mr. W. D. Edwards (brother of the bride) was best man.
The reception was held at the bride's home. Later the couple left for Bournemouth for the honeymoon. The bride travelled in a pastel blue coat worn over lupine pink pastel frock, with hat to tone.
(The Fleet Air Arm was a branch of the Royal Navy that operated aircraft from navy ships. John Prince had attained the position of Corporal)
It wasn't until 1954 that Prince and Pugh became a company in its own right.
Western Mail - 25th August 1954
Prince and Pugh Ltd.
Private company registered August 18.
Capital £20,000 in £1 shares
Objects - To acquire the business of ironmongers and agricultural engineers carried on by Messrs. Prince and Sons and Messrs, C. F. Pugh at Knighton, Radnorshire.
The Directors are:
John Prince, 27, High-street, Knighton
William Edward Prince, 26, High-street, Knighton
John William Cecil Pugh, 24, Broad-street, Knighton
Ralph Edward Meredith Pugh, 7, Broad-street, Knighton
Secretary - Frederick Thomas Moore
Registered Office - 24, Broad-street, Knighton, Radnorshire
William Edward Prince Jnr., died, aged 73, on 26th January 1956, he left his estate to his son John Prince, who was living at Hengwm, Whitton.
In 1963 Ralph Edward Meredith Pugh went on an eleven day Christmas holiday cruise to Madeira and the Canary Islands, onboard the Greek cruise ship Lakonia. It left Southampton on Thursday 19th December with 300 passengers. On Sunday 22nd December a fire broke out on the ship 100 miles north of Madeira. All passengers were instructed to abandon ship, many jumped into the Atlantic, swimming to any lifeboats they could find. Ralph was one of those saved, sadly 128 perished. A giant Norwegian tug tried for 5 days to tow the stricken Lakonia to Gibraltar, but she had to be cut loose 230 miles short of her destination as she was sinking. She is resting 2,200 fathoms (2½ miles) down in the Atlantic.
24 Broad Street, Knighton is a Grade 2 listed building.