Cole Brothers: The Beginnings
John and Thomas Cole
The Cole Brothers of Sheffield has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a small shop on 4 Fargate. John and Thomas Cole set up their own business as a silk mercers and hosiers, in 1847, on no. 4 Fargate. They were joined almost immediately by their brother Skelton.
Rebuilding
Initial success brought the acquisition of further properties along Fargate, and a further expansion, around the corner on to Church Street. By 1869, a rebuild was commissioned, as the status of Cole Brothers continued to grow. The rebuilding of the store was soon completed including the addition of two further storeys, and as further addresses were added to their repertoire they were immediately rebuilt to match the store design. Skelton Cole passed away in 1896, and did not live to see the business become a limited company in 1898, Cole Brothers Limited. John Cole died that same year.
If you have a photo of the Cole brothers, we would love to see it!
Comments about this page
Hi Jeremy, Thanks for spotting that! I’ll correct the page now.
Hi Jonathan, just been reading the items about Cole Brothers with interest as I’m from Sheffield. Just thought I would mention that the name of the road that Coles set up their business on is just called ‘Fargate’….not Fargate Street. Fargate is still there today but is now a pedestrianised area just further down from the current JL store.
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