H Burgess & Co

H Burgess & Co, Wilton St, Denton
Henry Burgess (1850-93) founded his hat manufacturing business on Ashton Rd in 1872 and by 1878 it had moved to Hyde Rd. Shortly afterwards it moved again to premises on the south side of Wilton St, where it remained until closure.

Premises of H Burgess & Co, May 1999.

Street Directories show that between 1874 and 1878 Henry Burgess was resident on Law St but the 1881 census shows that he was resident at 80 Wilton St, while the 1891 census shows that he was then living at 84 Wilton St as a Hat Dealer (Employer). This was next door to his business premises. The 1901 census shows that his son, Arthur William Burgess, was living on Gould St with the occupation of Cashier (Worker) at a Hat Warehouse.

At some point between the 1881 and 1891 censuses the company had changed from hat manufacturers to wholesalers (merchants). It sold hats of felt, wool, velour* and straw, as well as cloth caps to the retail trade and the premises were used for warehousing purposes.

*As an alternative to felt, hats began to be made from velour during the 20th century and its use became increasingly popular. Velour is a soft, plush fabric similar to velvet and velveteen.

Ladies' velour hats.

By 1909 the partners were John Burgess, Arthur William Burgess and Arnold Burgess. John Burgess died on the 29 Sep 1909, aged 56 years.

By 1934 the partners were W Burgess and H R Burgess. Between 1935 and 1936 the partnership of Burgess & Co was dissolved and a new company called Burgess & Co (Hats) Ltd was incorporated. In the 1960s two companies, Bagnall & Co and ESCU (Hats) Ltd, amalgamated with Burgess & Co (Hats) Ltd. In c.1975 Burgess & Co (Hats) Ltd ceased trading and on the 4 Nov 1977 the company was struck off the Register of Companies.

The vacant premises were subsequently converted into industrial units and it is known that Style Upholstery Ltd, furniture upholstery and manufacturers, was one of the last occupiers. This company went into voluntary liquidation on the 25 Nov 1999. The building was demolished in 2003 to make way for the Crown Point North Shopping Park.