Jessie Bellamy

One of Bourne’s old established retail outlets is Jessie Bellamy, the men’s and ladies’ outfitters which has been trading from North Street for almost eighty years.

The business was started by Mrs Jessie Simpson in 1937, using her maiden name of Bellamy and in partnership with her husband Stephen. Their original premises were on the east side of North Street, now demolished as part of the Burghley Arcade development which opened in 1989, where they sold mainly children and ladies’ clothing and knitting wools.

In 1949, they moved across the road to No 23 North Street which is now occupied by the ladies’ clothing department but in 1975 expanded into the premises next door at No 21, now used for the sale of men’s clothing and hire wear and, until 2013 included a school wear department which provided a considerable service to the town.

Their son Richard joined the business on leaving school at 15 and as soon as he could drive, took their trade into the surrounding countryside, making regular trips to villages such as Rippingale and Thurlby with goods in his car. The business prospered and soon Jessie Bellamy became one of the best known trading names in Bourne, a reputation that survives today.

Stephen Simpson died in 1975, aged 66, and Jessie in 1989, aged 76, leaving Richard as sole proprietor but he now runs the business with his wife Judith and daughter Caroline by his first marriage as partners.

There have been buildings on the site of the present shops since the mid-17th century but a modern frontage was added in 1949 which was greatly improved eight years ago to enhance the appearance of the premises while a stone plaque over one of them records the date of the earlier property as 1666.

In October 2013, the business was put up for sale as a going concern. The freehold premises are substantial with an extensive frontage on North Street and apart from the retail shopping areas there is a flat above with car parking at the rear together with a garage, stores and office. The asking price was £450,000.

Once the sale is complete, Richard, now 70, plans to retire. “After 55 years in the business I think I deserve a rest”, he said.

WRITTEN OCTOBER 2013