Group    From 1792 

W. H. Smiths

Categories: Commerce

Henry Walton Smith and his wife Anna opened a small newsvendors in 1792 in Little Grosvenor Street. HW and then Anna died, and their sons took over, renaming the business after one of them, William Henry. In 1846, his son of the same name reached 21 and joined the business and it was renamed W. H. Smith and Son. It was managed by the family until 1972 when the first non-family Chairman was appointed. See also Lord Hambleden.

The firm and staff gave "generous and unfailing support" to King's College Hospital.

Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
W. H. Smiths

Commemorated ati

Smiths - Head Office

This building was the Head Office of W.H. Smith & Son from 1920 to 1976. ...

Read More

Smiths - King's College Hospital

This plaque was placed on the Hospital's centenary. WH Smiths had given the H...

Read More

Smiths - war-damaged plaque

OK, this is not actually a memorial but it's too good to exclude on the basis...

Read More

W. H. Smiths - WC2

{On the plinth:} William Frederick Danvers Smith, 2nd Viscount Hambleden, bo...

Read More

W. H. Smith - W2

London County Council W. H. Smith, 1825 - 1891, bookseller and statesman, li...

Read More

This section lists the memorials created by the subject on this page:
W. H. Smiths

Creations i

Smiths - war-damaged plaque

OK, this is not actually a memorial but it's too good to exclude on the basis...

Read More

Other Subjects

National Provident Institution

National Provident Institution

In 1835 two men, who had been successful with the Friends Provident Institution, selling life assurance only to Quakers, formed the less choosy National Provident Institution, opening for business ...

Group, Commerce

2 memorials
The Bell, Carter Lane

The Bell, Carter Lane

From this inn, on 25 October 1598, Richard Quiney wrote a letter to William Shakespeare. This letter, the only one addressed to Shakespeare that has survived, is held by the museum at Strafford. Th...

Building, Commerce, Food & Drink

1 memorial
J. P. Knight Group Ltd

J. P. Knight Group Ltd

Founded by the son of J. P. Knight.

Group, Commerce

1 memorial
Edward Orme

Edward Orme

Engraver, painter and publisher of illustrated books, and property developer in Bayswater. Born Manchester. c.1800-24 he published and sold many books of aquatints and etchings, in his own shops in...

Person, Art, Commerce, Journalism / Publishing, Property

1 memorial
Benetfink & Co

Benetfink & Co

From Regent Antiques: "Described themselves as ‘furnishing ironmongers’ and had large premises on Cheapside in London from 1845 to 1907. They sold a very large range of metalware items for the home...

Group, Commerce

1 memorial

Previously viewed

District Railway / Metropolitan District Railway

District Railway / Metropolitan District Railway

Formed to complete the 'inner circle' of the tube in London.  This was effectively the southern section: Mansion House to Earl's Court and beyond.  The tunnels were formed using the 'cut and cover'...

Group, Transport

6 memorials
W. F. D. Smith, Lord Hambleden

W. F. D. Smith, Lord Hambleden

On his father's death in 1891 he became head of the family firm of W.H. Smith and Son and also took over as MP for the Strand Division, until 1910. Chairman of King's College Hospital. Became 2nd V...

Person, Commerce, Politics & Administration

2 memorials
George R. Thorpe

George R. Thorpe

Worked at the Stock Exchange and died in WW1.

Person

War dead, WW1
1 memorial
E. F. Palmer

E. F. Palmer

Surbiton man killed serving in WW1.

Person

War dead, WW1
1 memorial