Our History
"Clement Joscelyne" began on 13th November 1878 when Mr Clement Joscelyne purchased these premises, which were described as "two dwelling houses with front shops, large enclosed yard, slaughter house, cattle pound, stable etc and also a cottage with blacksmiths' shop". A new front and elegant bay windows were added to the original building
in 1887.
This was the year of Queen Victoria's Jubilee and to mark the event, the shop was splendidly festooned with flags and patriotic decorations. In 1901 the shop was decorated to mark the coronation of King Edward VII in 1901 and. 20,000 paper roses were made especially by the firm. Charles Joscelyne, Clements' son, became Managing Director in 1911.
Whereas Clement had concentrated on selling furniture at bargain prices, Charles developed a more specialised business designing furnishings for some of the best houses in the area.
Hugh Joscelyne took over as Managing Director in 1961 after his father had completed 50 years in the position. In this same year the Company acquired the adjacent "Plume of Feathers" public house, giving the shop high street windows for the first time. During the 1970's the buildings were continuously updated and Raymond Joscelyne succeeded his father as Managing Director in 1991.
On 21st May 1997 a fire started at the rear of the building and quickly spread throughout the shop. Ten appliances & eighty fireman were called to the scene but the blaze was such that 80% of the building was subsequently demolished.
Plans were soon drawn up for a new shop. Behind the Victorian facade there was to be an exciting contemporary interior that would meet all the demands of retailing in the 21st Century. The new shop was opened to customers on 3rd October 1998.
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