As part of our anniversary this year we are inviting you to explore our company’s history in a series of special blog posts by Heritage Consultant Amanda Chambers.

This year Amanda has looked into the company archive and started the process of cataloguing items and researching stories.

Amanda says:

“Founded in 1884 as a grocery and general store, Edward Butcher began a retailing story in the town that would last through two world wars, huge changes in society and an earthquake! Managed continuously by local families the Butcher’s, the Cooks and now the Staceys, O&C Butcher has served local and increasingly international customers looking for quality products with a contemporary edge.

As we delve into the archive in the coming months we will reveal some of the surprising stories behind the scenes, the fashion trends and advertising slogans of the time. We will also explore a valuable set of receipts from the Benjamin Britten Archive at the Red House detailing Britten’s shopping habits with O&C Butcher - such as why in 1953 he urgently required a pair of denim overalls and a pair of rubber boots!”

So join us on a voyage of discovery as we celebrate our rich heritage.

From the Archives

Images:

1. The original ‘Southend Stores’ located at 245 High Street Aldeburgh photographed in 1885.
2. The renovated store 10 years later in 1895.
3. 3a, 3b and 3c - The 100 year anniversary of O&C Butcher featured in the East Anglian Daily Times in 1984.
4. Original account book dated 1884-1886.

Did you know?

• 1884 was a big year for us but it also saw the establishment of Marks and Spencer and the NSPCC.
• 1884 was also the year the largest earthquake on record hit the U.K. with its epicentre in Essex and Suffolk!

GIVEAWAY!

This month you can also take part in a Giveaway where you could win one of two O&C Butcher Gift Vouchers worth £140 each! Find out more and ENTER THE GIVEAWAY here.