James Styles, House Furnisher and Ironmonger, of 7 Smith Street

Invoice from James Styles to the Earl of Warwick, 1897.

Warwickshire County Record Office document reference CR1886/ B927.

Photo of Styles Stores on Smith Street c1900.

Warwickshire County Record Office reference PH1035_A3523

Indenture agreement between James Styles and Charles Hobbis for Frederick Hobbis apprenticeship as an upholsterer.

Warwickshire County Record Office reference CR1618/WA17/3/18

In 1883 James Styles opened a furnisher and ironmongers shop at 7 Smith Street. He sold furniture and metal goods, like nails and tools. This was not the first, or only shop owned by James Styles. He opened several furnisher shops in Warwick, as well as shoe and boot shops in Rugby and Leamington Spa.

Taking in apprentices

His shops made the furniture they sold and employed a number of people. They were able to teach their trade to apprentices too. Frederick Hobbis was apprenticed to learn the upholstery trade when he was 16 years old, in 1888.

Frederick’s apprenticeship indenture shows that James Styles agreed to train him until he was 21 years old. James also agreed to clothe and feed him and give him somewhere to sleep. Frederick’s weekly wage started at 5 shillings a week, about £30 in 2026. The indenture agreement shows each year the weekly pay increased by 1 shilling a week.

Items sold to the Warwick Castle Estate

Records show Styles’ Stores sold the Warwick Castle Estate office metal goods for general maintenance and repairs at properties owned by the Earl of Warwick. They sold them brass hinges, locks, screws, broom handles and cutting pliers.

James Styles was born and bred in Warwick. He grew up to be  a successful business owner and played an active part in the community.

A busy and determined person

James was a member of Warwick Town Council, a deacon of the Congregational Church, and a Poor Law Guardian, one of the people who was responsible for the running of Warwick’s Workhouse. He was also husband to Emma and had seven children. With all his commitments, he must have been a busy and determined person.

After his death, one newspaper wrote:

He was a man who by sheer force of character had raised himself to a good position in the town.¹

¹ Warwick & Warwickshire Advertiser 18/1/1902

This article is part of the Through the Shop Window trail showcasing the links between Warwick businesses and Warwick Castle in the 1800s. Supported by The Friends of Warwickshire County Record Office, The Steven Wallsgrove Legacy and Warwick Town Council.