Hamley Brothers
of 200 Regent Street, London
See William Hamley and his sons Francis James Hamley and Edwin Thomas Hamley
c.1827 Business founded by William Hamley who opened 'Noah's Ark', 231 High Holborn, London
1827 Advertisement. 'NOAH'S ARK, 231, High Holborn.— The Nobility and Gentry are respectfully informed, that they may give their Juvenile Friends a treat by visiting the above named Repository of Amusement, where an extensive ASSORTMENT of TOYS both ornamental, instructive, and amusing, of the best British and Foreign manufacture, and newest pattern, are on sale. Ladies' Work Boxes and Cases, Flower Vases, and various Chimney Ornaments, Rocking and Chaise Horses, Magic Toys, Dissected Puzzles and Maps.'[1]
1838 Advertisement. 'INSTRUCTION AND AMUSEMENT FOR THE JUVENILE BRANCHES. Noah's Ark Toy Warehouse, 231, High Holborn. W. Hamley begs to return his grateful thanks for the kind support he has experienced so many years in the above Establishment and takes this opportunity of acquainting the Nobility, Gentry and Public that he has in Stock an extensive assortment of instructing and amusing Games, Buildings and Toys, suitable for this season of the year. He likewise wishes to call the attention of Amateurs to his splendid Stock of Tricks and Deceptions, selected from Paris and the first Professors in London, never before offered to the Public. The Phantasmagoria or Magic Lantern, lent out for the evening, likewise the set of Chinese Fireworks. Rocking-horses in great variety always on sale. Merchants, Captains and Country Dealers supplied'.[2]
1859 Advertisement. 'English, French & German Toys. W. Hamley's old-established Repository for Toys; Noah's Ark, 231, High Holborn, London. Magic Lanterns and Dissolving Views lent out for the evening. Professors in the art of Conjuring provided for parties. Merchants, Bazaars, and Country Dealers supplied'[3]
1881 Branch opened at 200 Regent Street
1901 High Holborn damaged by fire and relocated to 86–87 High Holborn
1931 In receivership and acquired by Lines Brothers who closed the High Holborn branch
1981 Hamleys moved to 188–196 Regent Street
1982 Acquired by Debenhams
1987 Opened stores in York and Newcastle and both closed after a year.