Barretts Kent History

Barretts of Canterbury is one of the few family businesses that have been trading in Canterbury since the turn of the last century. This section of the Web Site tells the story of the company. We had two fires in the middle of the century and many records were lost, so if any reader has any photographs or documents which might be of interest or help in our research, please contact Lana Farr on 01227 864414 at our St. Peter's Street branch. We would be glad of the opportunity to see any new material.

From the Beginning to 1905

The founder of the company was George R Barrett. He was born in 1871, the son of a Canterbury Town Sergeant and Sheriffs Officer, Robert George Barrett, who lived at 66 Burgate Street.

George was an enthusiastic cyclist (he held the Canterbury-Herne Bay-Canterbury record for some time) and obviously had an interest in things modern and mechanical. After an apprenticeship with Court Brothers, who were Ironmongers and Cycle Agents in Butchery Lane, he worked for them in Canterbury and as their shop manager in Chelmsford. In 1902, at the age of 31, he started his own business in partnership with George Jackson, who he had met during his time at Chelmsford.

Barrett and Jackson opened for business selling cycle and motor fittings in February 1902 at Number 26 St Peter's Street, Canterbury (now the Starburger Restaurant). These premises were leased to the two budding entrepreneurs for £60 per annum by George Mount although Mr Jackson bought the freehold in December 1902.

1904

By 1904 however, G R Barrett - The West End Garage and Motor Works, is being advertised at 30 St Peter's Street, with a phone number of Canterbury 86, and it appears that Mr Jackson was now no more than a sleeping partner in the business.

Number 30 had been a prominent mansion house in the eighteenth century, having been built by the wealthy Six family who had come to Canterbury from Flanders and made their money in the silk trade. One of the Six family - James (1731-1793) became a scientist and invented the minimum/maximum thermometer (as used in gardens and greenhouses today). In fact it was known for a long time as a Six Thermometer.

The house, with its large garden behind, had become a girls school in 1878 and a Co-op store in 1900 before George bought it in 1903. He used sheds in the garden as a workshop and stores, accessed via a high double door entrance at the side by Pound Lane.