| Administrative History | George Brettle and Co Ltd, hosiery manufacturers, can trace its origins to c1760 when it is believed John Ward began production at Belper. The firm was known as Ward, Sharp and Co between the years 1801-1803, becoming Ward Brettle and Ward in 1803, George Brettle and Coin 1834 and George Brettle and Co Ltd in 1914. In 1964 the company was bought out by Courtaulds Ltd, which in turn was taken over by Chilprufe Brands Ltd in 1997. Whilst owned by Courtaulds, Brettles became the Group's main hose production unit. Production was mainly based at Belper, whilst commerce was concentrated in London from as early as 1801. Enemy action during the Second World War forced the company to consolidate its activities at Belper.
Many of the records of George Brettle and Co Ltd were stored at its London Offices which in 1940 suffered two direct hits from German bombs. Consequently, large amounts of information were lost. In the early 1960s a trunk of early papers was found at the factory at Belper. Early correspondence c1801-1823, pre-1844 partnership agreements, deeds 1775-1914 of both Belper and London premises, and other records were known to be in the possession of the firm at the time Negley B Harte wrote his History of Brettle & Co Ltd.
1801-1964. |
| Custodial History | These records were deposited with Derbyshire Record Office in October 1997. Two further items were donated in February 2024 by a member of the public whose father had previously worked for the company. |