Opening the office

The office at 10 Lime Street, Bedford, was opened in 1906, initially to deal with farming accounts and as the office for Bedfordshire Chamber of Agriculture. Walter Peacock was Secretary of the Bedfordshire Chamber of Agriculture from 1906 to 1918, and was followed by his brother, Francis ‘Frank’ J. Peacock from 1918 to 1924. The premises were originally leased from Mr F. R. Hockliffe, who owned a large bookshop at 86 and 88 High Street, on the corner with Lime Street. Hockliffe's also ran a second-hand bookshop at 8 Lime Street, largely supported as a source of books needed by pupils at the Harpur Trust schools. The various other agricultural and auction office activities were transferred to Lime Street when the 84 High Street office closed in 1925.

Mr Walter and Mr Harry Peacock at Lime Street

Walter and Harry Peacock had adjoining offices, on the first floor, separated by a wooden partition. For a long period, they enjoyed the use of a single telephone passed from office to office through a sliding hatch in the wall as necessary.

Two more different personalities than Walter and Harry might be difficult to find. Walter was a rather rumbustious character with a most colourful vocabulary, perhaps reflecting his former army service, and ideally suited to dealing with the farmers and horse dealers. It was quite an experience to be taken out by him on a job; he did not suffer fools gladly. Until his pupils came to know him better, he could seem quite scary. In contrast, Harry was very quiet and gentle and never known to use strong language. Harry Peacock was much liked by the staff as he was very kind and had a lovely sense of humour, but he was very careful with money. He was wonderful at placating irate clients who came with any complaints. Harry had a high reputation as an auctioneer and valuer of antique and modern furniture, and maintained an interest in the activities of the estate agency side of the business. The partnership between Walter and Harry relied upon complete mutual trust and there was no written agreement through over fifty years as partners together.