Wells ironmongers celebrates 90 years of trading

By Laura Linham 29th Jul 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

A family-run Wells ironmongers has celebrated 90 years of trading in the city.

Whiting and Son marked the anniversary on Friday, 10 July, sharing a specially made fruit cake with customers.

The business was established by JA Whiting in 1936, although his connection with Wells began several years earlier.

He came to the city after being demobilised from the Army following the First World War, accompanied by his French wife, whom he had met while stationed in Rouen.

JA Whiting initially worked as the manager of Barnes and Son. When its owner decided to retire, he bought the ironmongery business and opened his own shop at 68 High Street. His wife also ran a bed and breakfast from the premises.

The original shop occupied only the area now used for china and cookware. It was later doubled in size, creating space for decorating supplies, housewares, paint and electrical goods.

Further expansion followed in 1980, when an additional section was created for tools and loose ironmongery. Another extension was completed in 1984, providing space for the shop's gardening and lighting departments.

Whitings on VE day in 1945 (British Newspaper Archive)

The goods sold by the business have changed with the needs of its customers. Earlier stock included water tanks, batteries, Hoover appliances and bicycles.

During the Second World War, the shop charged radio accumulators for farms across the Mendips. The batteries were used to power radios in properties without mains electricity, allowing people to listen to news broadcasts.

The business has always traded as Whiting and Son. The son referred to in the name was Morris Whiting, a Spitfire pilot who was killed shortly before VJ Day.

Undated image of the inside of Whitings (British Newspaper Archive)

Current owner Michelle Machin joined the business after completing her A-levels and has spent more than five decades working behind the counter. Her son, Anthony, is now involved, continuing the family connection into a fourth generation.

Today, the shop sells kitchenware, electrical appliances, household goods, gardening products, power tools, china, decorating supplies, DIY equipment and ironmongery.

It has retained an emphasis on personal service, with staff helping customers choose products and advising them on how equipment and materials can be used.