17/18 Small Street, Bristol

James Orlidge & Son, Daniel Orlidge, the Bodega Company, until Sainsbury Hibbard & Co.


The lands in Small Street, Bristol, which contained the properties discussed here were held under ancient lease from the Corporation of Bristol, being part of the lands belonging to the Hospital or Almshouse of the Three Kings of Cullen (or Cologne) on St. Michael's Hill (granted by the Feoffees of Foster's Almshouse). The buildings consisted until 1832 of a shop front with two large warehouses over, and vaulted cellarage retained by Orlidge. In 1823 a newly erected 3 storey building was let in Small Street, which included offices of Paul & Co., wine merchants on the ground floor with warerooms behind, and other offices there and above. Under this building were a further two tiers of arched cellars, the lower tier 70ft by 15ft 4 in, and 55ft by 15ft 3in. were in the occupation of Joseph Orlidge & Son, on the upper tier, 70ft by 18ft in the occupation of the same, and two cellars, 70ft by 20ft and 19ft by 11ft in the occupation of Paul & Co. The identification of the shop address of Orlidge & Co. is difficult as it appears to alternate between Nos. 17 and 18. In Sketchley's 1775 directory, Orlidge & Son are at No. 18, from 1822 they are at number 17, likely the New Buildings, but after the bankruptcy of Daniel Day Orlidge in 1836 they are back at No. 18. In 1873 number 17 was described as "Next door below Guildhall", the double premises occupied, at the time of writing, by a chocolate shop.

From the diary of William Dyer: 1762 September 22   Wednesday. "Rose near 7 - & towards 9 went up to Mr. Symes’s – afterwards visited Miss Roe & Sister Hopkins – staid at office un’till 2. at 3 call’d on Hall – afterwards call’d at Mr. Hawksworths but He was out – then to Mother Davis & staid ‘till past 5 then to office & staid ‘till past 7 – then call’d on Mr. Joseph Orlidge & received two Guineas for a Draught sent to Mr. Searle from Mr. Merich of Wellington – I paid Mrs. Searle the 2 Guineas at Dinner time when she call’d ‘on me."

2 Gallon Stoneware Flagon Sainsbury1.jpgSainsbury2.jpg
Printed: SAINSBURY
 HIBBARD & Co. / BRISTOL

Numbered 55.
Potter:  Price / 20 / Bristol,
Straight sided 2 tone Bristol glaze.

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