Bedford's oldest jewellers John Bull to close for good

It’s the end of an era as the owners of Bedford’s oldest independent jewellers have announced John Bull & Co will close for good.

The store – in St Peter’s Street – will close when managing director Keith Peryer retires.

After trading in the town since 1817, the historic store will hold a closing-down sale – with all jewellery reduced by 50% – from 10am on Saturday, November 5.

The jewellers has been an institution for customers for over 200 years.

John Bull opened his first workshop at 49 High Street where he made clocks and pocket watches. The recognisable ‘Bull Clock’ still hangs proudly above the site of the original store.

Renowned for high-quality pieces and excellent customer service, John Bull & Co relocated in 1964, moving many of the original shop fittings to larger premises at 21 St Peter’s Street, where the store remains today.

Between 1914-1918 the jewellery workshop was turned over to the war effort where time fuses were manufactured.

Current owner Keith Peryer came to John Bull in the role of managing director in 1999.

And in 2012 the Bull family sold the store to Keith, who continued in the role of manager.

The 62-year-old: “When I shut the shop for a final time, it will be a sad day. The decision to close John Bull & Co has been very difficult and has taken a lot of thought, but it’s the right time.

"The business has reached its natural conclusion and I am keen to retire and spend more time with my family.

“I have met some wonderful customers over the years; many who have become friends. So, as a thank you to customers old and new, we are holding a spectacular closing-down sale.

"I hope that people will be able to choose a piece that they can remember our store by. There will be some amazing bargains to be had, as we are reducing all our jewellery by 50%.”

All pieces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and the sale will last until all the stock is sold.