Stratton

For further info. see Stratton, Sons & Mead Ltd., an incomplete record by John Stratton, 1994. Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Chippenham.

James Stratton was born in Seend, Wiltshire, early in 1815, baptised on 20th Feb. in Seend, son of James Stratton of Manningford Bruce, Wilts. and Charlotte. James's father was from Woodborough originally, near Pewsey and had married Charlotte Biggs at Wilsford near Pewsey on 7th Nov. 1808. There was another marriage of a James and Charlotte however, a James Stratton married Charlotte Smart in Froxfield, Wilts. on 18th Oct.1812. Both had been widowed. This is possibly Charlotte Roby who married William Smart of Rainham, Kent, in Reading St. Mary by license on 24th May 1803. The reason I suggest this as a possibility for this family is that James Stratton senior and Charlotte are living in Reading St. Mary in the 1851 census. Charlotte claims her birth as Chitterne St. Mary but I cannot find a baptism that fits. Their children were: Maria, bapt. 7th June 1813; Alfred, bapt. 4th June 1816; Alfred, bapt. 13th Jan. 1818; Frederic, bapt. 1st Nov. 1819 and Joseph, bapt. 7th Nov. 1823.

Thomas Harris Redman was born in Melksham and baptised on 13th April 1813, son of Thomas Wyatt Redman and Elizabeth Harris, who married in Melksham by license on 6th April 1808. A very similar age to James Stratton, they entered business together very probably in their early 20's. They were certainly in partnership by 1839 and appear in the 1841 census in Melksham High Street as drapers etc.
Other children of Thomas Wyatt and Elizabeth include: Eliza (bapt. 3rd Jan. 1810); Mary Ann (bapt. 31st Oct. 1811); William (bapt. 24th Mar. 1815); James (bapt. 14th Apr. 1817); John (bapt. 16th Feb. 1819); Caroline (bapt. 30th Jan. 1821); Jane (bapt. 11th June 1823); Sophia (bapt. 16th June 1825) and Alice Wyatt (bapt. 3rd Apr. 1828).

"Married, on Tuesday, at Melksham (Feb. 15th by the Rev. George Hume), Mr. James Stratton, 3rd son of Mr. (James) Stratton of Manningford Bruce, Wilts. to Caroline, 3rd daughter of the late Thomas Redman, of Half-way House, near Melksham." (Hampshire Chronicle - Monday 21st February 1842 p.1.)

Also: "April 17th at Melksham by the Rev. G. Hume, M.A. Vicar, Robert, eldest son of the late Mr. William Line, of Stert, to Jane, fourth daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Redman, of Half-way House, near Melksham. - Also, at the same time and place, Joseph, youngest son of Mr. James Stratton, late of Manningford Bruce, to Alice, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Redman of Half-way House, near Melksham." (Salisbury and Winchester Journal - Saturday 21st April 1849 p.4.)

Thomas Harris Redman married Mary Ann Harris on 25th June 1846 in Calne. In 1851 Thomas and Mary Ann lived at the Drapers in the High Street, whereas James Stratton and wife Caroline lived at the Grove, next to the vicarage. James was a Master Grocer, so clearly had more interest in that side of the business.

On 7th July 1853 the newspapers announced the dissolution of the partnership between Redman and Stratton. The drapery side of the business was disposed of to Mr. T. Eling Cooper, and the general grocery business was carried on by James Stratton on his own account. (Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette - Thursday 7th July 1853 p.2.) Cooper's drapery was a few doors along from Redman in 1851.

James and Caroline had children: Mary (b. 1843, bapt. 27th Aug.); Charlotte Elizabeth (b. 1845, bapt. 27th Apr. d.1847); Alfred (b.1847, bapt. 31st Jan.); Charlotte Elizabeth (b.1848, bapt. 28th May); James (b.1849, bapt. 24th Feb. 1850); Maria (b.1851, Bapt. 26th Sept. 1852); George (b.1853, bapt. 30th Oct.); Caroline (b.1854, bapt. 25th June); Frank (b.1856, bapt. 30th Nov.) and William Redman (b.1858, bapt. 27th June d.1865).

Alfred Stratton took on the Melksham shop, James retiring around 1880. James junior went to work on his uncle Joseph's farm at Manningford Bruce, remaining a farmer at various places. Frank owned a farm of 750 acres in Manningford Bruce. George entered the wholesale grocery business and in 1901 was helping running the Melksham business.

A funeral in 1935 illustrates the expansion of the company in the early half of the 20th century: THE LATE MR. HERBERT VINEY - HEAD OF WELL-KNOWN BUSINESS - FUNERAL TRIBUTES AT MELKSHAM.
A wide circle of friends in the West Country heard with deep regret of the death of Mr. Herbert Viney, of Melksham. Born 75 years ago at Wilton he was always proud of his county and the West, and nothing delighted him more than to take his place with the judges at the local agricultural shows, where he was in great request as a judge in the butter and cheese sections. His services were called on further afield, notably at the Agricultural Hall, London, and in the Three Counties, "Royal," and Bath and West shows.
Mr. Viney commenced his business career some 60 years ago in the old-world town of Dorchester, at Boons Stores, and with the exception of a few years in London his business life was passed in Shaftesbury and Melksham. Entering the service of the late Geo. Kersley & Sons of Shaftesbury, when that business was acquired by James Stratton & Sons, of Melksham, he was made manager, and on the formation of the firm of Stratton, Sons & Mead, ltd., 32 years ago, he was made a director. Later, on the retirement of Mr. Alfred Stratton, he was made managing director, and eventually became chairman and managing director on the death of Mr. Stratton in 1921.
Mr. Viney was a man of broad vision, a genial and hospitable personality, and one whose qualities were everywhere appreciated.
With the late Dr. Harris and the present Mayor of Shaftesbury (Alderman Borley) he was associated with the purchase of the town of Shaftesbury from the late James White in 1919.

THE FUNERAL - There was a large attendance at the funeral, a service being held at the Parish Church prior to interment.
The Vicar (Canon Sangster) officiated, assisted by the Rev. P. M. Barry (curate).
The family mourners were:- Mr. E. Plank (brother-in-law), Mrs. Jeffery Wain (niece), Mr. J. Whatley (nephew), and Mr. J. Whatley junr., Wilton.
Messrs. Stratton, Sons & Mead were represented by Messrs. Mr. George Stratton, G. Arney, J. W. Drake, A. J. Giddings, and H. Willis (directors); Messrs. C. Pitman, G. Phillips, H. White, F. Bowden, and C. Bowden (Melksham), A Crocker (Newbury), Alexander (Devizes), Beaven and Boulter (Shaftesbury), and a representative of the Marlborough branch..." There follow numerous other mourners listed as well as floral tributes. (Western Gazette - Friday 9th August 1935 p.6.)

George Henry Mead was a wholesale grocer and tallow chandler born in Market Lavington in 1840, son of Henry Mead, a grocer, and Harriet. In 1861 he was a traveller for James Stratton, in Melksham. He married Fanny Gaisford Flooks, only daughter of Mr. John Flooks of Worton Marsh farm, on 14th Aug. 1866 in Worton near Devizes. George evenually took over his father's business and was very successful. He was elected Mayor of Devizes 1896 for his sixth year. George died on 2nd Nov. 1901 in Clifton, Bristol. In 1895 George had stores at 36 Monday Market Street, 16 Brittox, and 76 New Park Street, Devizes. After George's death the former two addresses had become Stratton, Sons & Mead Ltd.

The Marlborough firm of Harris & Stratton Ltd. was wound up at an extraordinary meeting of its members on Friday 14th Aug. 1903, with a further meeting held at the offices of Stratton, Sons & Mead Ltd. High St. Melksham on 8th Sept. 1903.

From the London Gazette - 15 September 1903, page 5743: "HARRIS AND STRATTON Limited. At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of the above named Company, duly convened, and held at the residence of Thomas Harris, Esq., South-place, Calne, in the county of Wilts, on Friday, the fourteenth day of August, 1903, the following Special Resolutions were duly passed; and at a subsequent Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of the said Company, also duly convened, and held at the registered office of Stratton, Sons, and Mead Limited, High-street, Melksham, in the county of Wilts, on Tuesday, the eighth day of September, 1903, the following Special Resolutions were duly confirmed:—1. That Harris and Stratton Limited be wound up voluntarily. 2. That David Owen, of Bank-chambers, Devizes, Chartered Accountant, be appointed Liquidator for the purpose of winding up the affairs of the Company. ALFRED STRATTON, Chairman."

In the Western Daily Press - Tuesday 9th February 1915, Stratton, Sons and Mead Shaftesbury branch advertised for sale 200 gross of each amber and egg shaped bottles.

From the Wiltshire Times and Trowbridge Advertiser - Saturday 24 May 1930 page 6: "STRATTON SONS AND MEAD, LTD. The fully subscribed share capital of this Company, with headquarters at Melksham, and branches at Shaftesbury, Devizes, Marlborough and Newbury, is £50,000, viz., 25,000 5½ cumulative preference shares of £1 each, and 25,000 ordinary shares of £1 each. The Company is issuing £40,000 5½ per cent. redeemable first mortgage debentures at par, in 200 bonds of £l00 each and 400 bonds of £50 each. The Company was formed in 1902 to acquire from James Stratton & Sons, Ltd., the following undertakings:—
(a) The wholesale and retail grocery and provision business founded by the late Mr. James Stratton and for many years carried at Melksiiam by his two sons, Messrs. Alfred and George Stratton. (The Company holds records of that business dating back to the year 1839.)
(b) The business of a similar nature at Shaftesbury, which was purchased by Messrs. Stratton in the year 1892 of Messrs. Kersley Brothers. (The Company holds records of that business dating back to the year 1806.)
(c) A similar business at Devizes, which bad been carried on for many years the late Mr. George Henry Mead and his predecessors.
In the year 1903 the Company acquired the grocery and provision business of Harris & Stratton, Ltd., Marlborough, which has since been developed and extended into a large and important branch of this Company.
In July, 1920, the Company’s operations and territory were still further enlarged by the purchase of the old-established business of Messrs. Tombs and Gregory, of 90, Bartholomew Street, Newbury, which has greatly expanded as one of the Company’s branches.
On 28th February, 1930, £15,300 4½ per cent, debentures (being the balance of £16,000 issued by the Company in 1906) matured for re-payment at 102 and were redeemed accordingly. The necessary capital for this purpose was taken up temporarily from the Company’s Bankers and the purpose of the present issue of debentures is to enable the Company repay this overdraft and any other loans and for the general purpose of the Company."

The company was trading at least to the 1950s and eventually became a subsidiary of Amalgamated Foods Ltd. which it was in the mid 1990's.

There is also a stoneware ginger beer bottle from Stratton, Sons & Mead Ltd. Marlborough.

Redman & Stratton - James Stratton & Sons
Stratton Sons & Mead Ltd.
(Grocers &c.)

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2 Gallon Stone Jar
Impressed: 2 (on lip) Redman & Stratton / Spirit Merchants / Melksham. Powell Potter Bristol.

1 & 2 Gallon Stone Jars
Impressed: (Either 1 or 2 on lip) Redman & Stratton / Spirit Merchants / Melksham. Powell Potter Bristol.

2 Gallon Stone Tap Jar
Impressed: JAMES STRATTON & SONS / LIMITED / WHOLESALE GROCERS / MELKSHAM. Potter: Price Bristol. Patent Simplex Tap.

2 Gallon Stone Jar
Impressed: James Stratton & Sons Ltd./ MELKSHAM. Potter: Price Bristol.

Half Gallon Stone Jar
Impressed: J. STRATTON & SONS / Wholesale Grocers / MELKSHAM. Potter: Powell Bristol.

1 & 2 Gallon Stone Jars
Impressed: STRATTON SONS (/) & MEAD LTD. / WHOLESALE GROCERS / MELKSHAM. Nos. 78 & 116 in 2 Gallon size. 1 Gallon un-numbered. Potter: Price Bristol.

1 Gallon Stone Jar
Impressed: STRATTON SONS & MEAD LTD. / MELKSHAM.

10oz "bulb neck" Codd
Embossed: JAMES STRATTON & SONS. / LIMITED / MELKSHAM & / SHAFTESBURY. J. W. Dobson, Makers Barnsley.

10oz "bulb neck" Codd
Embossed lengthwise: STRATTON, SONS / AND / MEAD L^TD / SHAFTESBURY. Makers: Rylands 4 Barnsley. Height: 23.4cm.

10oz "standard" Codd
Embossed: STRATTON, SONS AND MEAD / LIMITED / SHAFTESBURY. Makers: Powell, Bristol. Height: 23.2cm. Thanks to Larnie of the Dorset collectors, we know they also produced a "Reliance" patent Codd.

Pint & 1/2 Pint Beer Bottle
Embossed: JAMES STRATTON & SONS. / LIMITED / MELKSHAM / AND / SHAFTESBURY. Internal Screw Stopper. J. W. Dobson, Makers Barnsley. 21.5cm & 24.5cm high. Some Versions (right) have no "LIMITED".

1/2 Pint Beer Bottle
Embossed: JAMES STRATTON & SONS. / MELKSHAM . Internal Screw Stopper. J. W. Dobson, Makers Barnsley. 20.3cm high.

1/2 Pint Beer Bottle
Embossed: STRATTON / SONS & MEAD / MELKSHAM / AND / DEVIZES / LIMITED. Internal Screw Stopper. P. & R. B. 21.5cm high. (Powell & Ricketts, Bristol).

1/2 Pint Beer Bottle
Embossed: STRATTON / SONS & MEAD LTD. / SHAFTESBURY / & / MELKSHAM. Internal Screw Stopper. No Makers, 4 on base. 20.8cm high.

6oz "bulb neck" Codd
Embossed in circle: STRATTON, SONS & MEAD L^TD / SHAFTESBURY. Makers: J. W DOBSON / L^TD / MAKERS / BARNSLEY. Height: 18.7cm.

10oz Codd
Embossed: STRATTON / SONS & MEAD / MELKSHAM / AND / DEVIZES / LIMITED. Powell Bristol. 22.8cm high. Also version: "THE RYLANDS / 4 / BARNSLEY." (right) Height: 23.2cm.

Pint Beer Bottle
Embossed: STRATTON / _ . _ / SONS & MEAD / MELKSHAM / —AND— / DEVIZES / LIMITED. Internal Screw Stopper. Makers: Powell, Bristol. 25cm high.

Half pint beer/lemonade bottle.
Embossed: HARRIS & STRATTON L^TD/ MARLBOROUGH Internal Screw Stopper. J. W. DOBSON / MAKERS / BARNSLEY Height approx 21.5cm.

Pint beer bottle.
Embossed: STRATTON / SONS & MEAD / LIMITED./ MARLBOROUGH Internal Screw Stopper. (Pint). Height approx 25cm.

Crown Cap Skittle
Embossed: STRATTON SONS & MEAD L^TD / MARLBOROUGH. Makers: R L^D 4 on base. Likely Rylands 4 Barnsley. Height: 19.9cm.

Crown Cap Mineral/Mixer Bottle.
Embossed: STRATTON SONS & MEAD L^TD / MARLBOROUGH. Makers: R in an "Ace of Spades" symbol on base. Height: 23.3cm.

Redman & Stratton - James Stratton & Sons Stratton Sons & Mead Ltd. (Grocers &c.)

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Redman & Stratton - James Stratton & Sons
Stratton Sons & Mead Ltd.
(Grocers &c.)