| The property at 8 Market Place, Holt, was built in 1631, the date set in the west gable end. It has continuously served the area as a shop since 1730 or thereabouts with the involvement of the Baker's beginning in the 1760's or 1770's.
Bakers went through several incarnations before developing into the multifaceted emporium of today: Blacksmith, Brewer, Builders, Builders' Merchant, Ironmonger, Plumbers to mention but a few, and expanded all the time.
On 22 November 1900 the firm was incorporated as CT Baker Ltd.
By 1958, having survived two World Wars, the Company employed 29 staff and was heavily into agricultural supplies. With the untimely death of Mr Jimmy Baker, the Managing Director, the next 15 years saw a period of decline, culminating in the near sale of the family business.
However, the 70s saw a turnaround with a new generation coming onto the Board. Expansion was the order of the day and it all began during the worst recession of the latter part of the 20th Century, inflation went up to 26%, the miners gave us power 3 days a week.
The start of rebuilding was 1976. In 1977 we bought Larners, by the mid 80's we had rebuilt the south side of the grade III listed Market Place, including the excavation of 2000 sq.ft. of wine cellar from the glacial deposits forming the Holt/Cromer Ridge.
In 1989 we bought R Edmonds & Son, a builders' merchant in Stalham and North Walsham.
Into the new millennium and 2004 saw the acquisition of Betty (Holt) Ltd, a department store at the other end of the town specialising in mens and ladies clothing, home furnishings and furniture.
During the 1980's and 1990's development on the Market Place site continued. Approaching the Millennium the Company split into 2 divisions - retailing, Bakers and Larners of Holt - and builders' merchanting CT Baker Holt, Stalham and North Walsham.
Bakers and Larners of Holt - the merging of 2 distinct family businesses created a unique department store. On the one hand we are an internationally known food hall and wine merchant on the other hand an up-market department store the development of which has been greatly aided by our membership of Associated Independent Stores AIS.
CT Baker - the builders' merchant expanded to become a major building materials supplier in North Norfolk and now has purpose built depots at Holt and North Walsham. Our Stalham site is in the process of reincarnation to provide another purpose built depot. A site at Aylsham is being purchased with a view to a fourth depot being built. Thus we find ourselves arriving at the Bakers of today. |
