Lediard, Jones and Mortimer
of Bristol and Keynsham
1826 'Bristol. — Another most destructive fire broke out on the premises occupied by Messrs. Lediard, .Jones, and Mortimer, dry-salters, better known as the Old Sugar House, at the back of Tucker-street, overlooking the Float (Bristol.) It was discovered by alarm from the watchman, about quarter past five o'clock Friday morning, the 22d inst.; and the materials in the warehouses being many of them of a combustible nature, and the floor of each tier saturated with sugar, it is needless to say that a conflagration ensued, such as was never witnessed by the oldest inhabitant in the city. The flames were at times seen to ascend far above the height of the church steeples; indeed we hear they were distinctly seen from the hills surrounding Bath. In the space of two hours the whole range of warehouses was a heap of ruins, the walls only remaining, which are in a very dangerous and tottering state. Fortunately the counting-house, formerly the dwelling-house, by great exertions was saved, together with the account books and papers. The adjoining premises of Messrs. Ricketts' porter brewery, the Pilgrim public-house, and Messrs Sanders's extensive premises, including the Savings' Bank, were alone preserved by the great exertions of the neighbours and gentlemen who attended, aided by the different fire-engines and their respective officers, although, through want of proper pipes, or some other means, it was long before a sufficient supply water could obtained, notwithstanding the float washed the back of the premises; and this naturally leads to the remark, why Bristol does not possess an engine peculiarly adapted to the use the river. No account can given how the fire originated. The only fires on the premises were in the dwelling-house, adjoining the warehouse, which remains apparently uninjured. The persons (workmen) who locked the doors asserted that all was quite safe when they quitted, at half-past nine o'clock. It is generally believed, that the premises were entered by thieves, who have lately committed depredations in warehouses situated on the banks of the floating harbour; and whether by accident or design, they set the premises on fire, cannot at present be ascertained. The loss of property, we understand, amounts to about 20,000l, 18,000l. of which said to be covered by insurance.— Bath Journal'[1]
1843 Advert: 'FIRE.-On Sunday morning, about six o'clock, a fire was discovered in one of the mills belonging to Messrs. Lediard, Jones, and Mortimer, of this city, dry salters, situated at Chewton Keynsham, and immediately adjoining the residence of Mr. Jones, which burnt with such rapidity that in the course of half-an-hour the entire roof fell in, and nearly the whole of the valuable stock was destroyed. By the greatest exertions the fire was prevented from communicating with the dwelling-house, which must otherwise have fallen a prey to the devouring element. The property was, we understand, fully insured, and the business of the firm will not suffer the least impediment in consequence of the misfortune.'[2]
1845 Partnership dissolved between Philip Jones and Charles Mortimer, Dry-Salters, in the City of Bristol, and at Keynsham, in the County of Somerset, under the style or firm of Lediard, Jones and Mortimer, dissolved by mutual consent, Charles Mortimer retiring. Business to be carried on by Philip Jones.[3]
1854 Another destructive fire at the premises in Thomas Street, Bristol (now called Lediard, Jones and Co).[4]