Images

Registration number: 66435

Company name: JF Rockheys Ltd
Dates in business: 1900-1973

Type of business: Department store retailer

Type of company: Private limited liability company 1900/1973

• 49-53 Fleet Street, Torquay, Devon, England
• , Newton Abbot, Devon, England

Company history

JF Rockhey Ltd, Torquay, Department store was incorporated as a private limited company in 1900. The business was established in 1981 when John Fry Rockhey bought a small drapery business on Fleet Street, Torquay from a Peter Thomas. He was joined by Mr TS Bulleid the following years and over the following years the business expanded taking over four more shops in the same block. When the business was incorporated Mr JF Rockhey became the chairman, and Mr TS Bulleid a director. When JF Rockhey died TS Bulleid took over the chairmanship. When he himself died in 1937, his son RF Bulleid took over as chairman, another of his sons, JF Bulleid was made a director

The premises were extensively remodelled in 1939-1940, opening up areas which had previously been used for staff accomodation for use as retail space. On the top floor a cafe-restaurant was opened, decorated in "The Hungarian Style" which had an outside terrace with views of the sea. To the rear of the store was a free carpark for customers

JF Rockhey Ltd was bought in 1948 by DH Evans & Co Ltd, but continued to trade under the Rockhey's name both in Torquay and at the smaller Newton Abbot store. Harrods Ltd acquired the whole share capital of DH Evans Ltd in 1954, although the companies had been associated with each other since the incorporation of DH Evans Ltd in 1892. Later that same year Harrods was bought by House of Fraser Ltd. When House of Fraser bought west-country based department store chain E Dingle & Co Ltd in 1971, it transfered ownership of JF Rockhey Ltd to the Dingles group.

Access points: Retail trade - Department stores