Hankin & Son
Fore Street & Park Street
By Marion Hill & Christine Martindale
In 1840 William Hankin, whose family were glovers and harness makers in Baldock, set up business at No.38 Fore Street as a tailor. After his death the business was continued by his widow and son-in-law, William Skillman. William purchased the freehold in 1855, but business at No. 38 was carried on by his brother-in-law Henry Hudson Hankin who died in 1912. Meanwhile the latters brother F.F.Hankin was in business at No.44 Fore Street as a linen drapers and clothing business. This lower shop remained in the Hankin family until 1962 when the shop closed following the death of Stanley Coles Hankin.
While these two businesses carried on in Fore Street, in 1840, other members of the Hankin family, brothers Henry and John Hankin, founded a tailors and drapers business in Park Street which was continued by Henry’s eldest son Arthur William. At some point these separate businesses must have combined.
If you have any memories of visiting Hankin’s, please do add them below.
Information from “Hatfield & Its People Bk 11a Families & Trades.” reprinted 2015 by Hatfield Local History Society
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Surprised and pleased to see this page.
William Skillman, mentioned, was my cousin Anthony Skillman’s grandfather. Although he took over the business he was listed in all the censuses as a tailor.
Best wishes and thanks.