| Description | The company was founded in 1839. On 25 Oct 1893 it was converted into a limited company.
The Robinson family originated in Bolsover. The name William Robinson appears in the Bolsover Manor Court records dated 27th June 1718. He is described as "lately of Chesterfield, pipe maker". Both his paretns are buried in Bolsover Parish Churchyard. Upon William's death in 1731, his property transferred to his youngest son, Paul. The Robinson family's association with Chesterfield then began, when Paul established his pottery business on Spa Lane. His brother, Thomas, continued to run the pottery business in Bolsover, together with Paul's son, William, until 1750. Paul Robinson had eight children, four of which died in infancy. His youngest son, Paul, succeeded his father in the Spa Lane business until his death in 1791.
In the 19th century, John Bradbury Robinson opened a small chemist shop in Packers Row, Chesterfield. The sale of this business led to the foundation of what became Robinson & Sons Ltd. John Bradbury Robinson was the third son of William and Ann Robinson. He was baptised on 2 May 1802, and later married his first cousin, Martha Bradbury. After John's death in 1869, his wife continued to live at Wheatbridge House, before moving to 1 Compton Street with her children Charles and Ann. When Ann died in June 1870, Martha moved in with her eldest daughter, Mary Woodhead at 'Spring Bank', Cobden Road.
Charles Portland Robinson married Eliza Slack in 1874. Their youngest son, Philip Moffat Robinson, took up residence at Park Hall in 1913, until moving to the newly built 'Rye Flatt' at the end of Oakland Avenue. After marrying Edith Rollin, he had two daughters, Kathleen and Irene, and two sons, Alec and Joyce. [See D3001/2-3] |
| Custodial History | These records were donated to Derbyshire Record Office in December 2004. |