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Our Heritage

Our Heritage

A Potted History

Paxton & Whitfield was first recorded as a partnership in 1797, but its origins began in 1742 when Stephen Cullum set up a cheese stall in Aldwych market. As London became increasingly affluent Sam Cullum (Stephen's son) moved his cheese business closer to his wealthy customer base, near to Jermyn Street where there is still a shop today. He also took on two new partners - Harry Paxton and Charles Whitfield. Ironically it is their names, not his, which grace the shop fronts now. The Company's reputation grew steadily, culminating in 1850 with the honour of being appointed cheesemonger to HM Queen Victoria. It was the first of many Royal Warrants that the Company has held.

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While the earlier years were good for Paxton & Whitfield, times were tougher from the 1860s. Smart society's appetite for traditional English farmhouse cheese was fading in favour of Continental cheese and, in England, factory style production was becoming the established practice. Many artisan cheeses totally disappeared as small farmers sent their milk to industrial creameries. This trend continued throughout the two World Wars and, in the 1940s, with eggs, butter and cheese in short supply 93 Jermyn Street became an ordinary grocery shop.

After World War II and a series of different owners, business improved as Paxtons rekindled their contacts with the traditional cheesemakers of rural Britain and started bringing in the best that Europe could offer. Two new Paxtons opened, in Stratford upon Avon and Bath not to mention their virtual shop on the web. Customers who value quality know they will always be able to find it at Paxtons. As Winston Churchill once observed "a gentleman buys his cheese at Paxton & Whitfield". In Paxton's third century of trading we hope you will allow us to help you enjoy the fascinating and diverse world of cheese too.

Significant dates in the history of Paxton & Whitfield

  • Stephen Cullum sets up a cheese stall in Clare Market off the Aldwych

    1742
  • Demand for cheese is fuelled by an influx of workers from the country and Society's taste for entertaining

    1750s
  • Stephen's son Sam opens a shop in Southampton Street

    1772
  • Stephen sells the market stall, takes on a partner called Paxton and opens a shop in Swallow Street

    1770s
  • Sam opens a new shop at 37 Swallow Street of Piccadilly

    1782
  • Sam has two new partners - Harry Paxton and Charles Whitfield

    1790
  • First record of Paxton & Whitfield as a named partnership

    1797
  • Swallow Street shop closes to allow the building of Regent Street. Business moves to 18 Jermyn Street

    1835
  • Sam Cullum dies

    1836
  • Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM Queen Victoria

    1850
  • The fluid partnerships of the last 50 years give way to the definitive name of Paxton & Whitfield, the name the firm bears with pride to this day.

    1853
  • Mr Mann acquires the business

    1890s
  • The business moves to 93 Jermyn Street

    1896
  • Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM King Edward VII

    1901
  • Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM King George V

    1910
  • Mr Fred Moore acquires the business

    1929
  • Royal Warrant of Appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales

    1932
  • Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM King George VI

    1936
  • Mr Archie Moore takes over the business on his father's death

    1951
  • Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

    1972
  • Mr Dermot Adamson acquires the business

    1974
  • Mr Ewan Adamson takes over the business on his father's death

    1984
  • Mr Arthur Cunynghame acquires the business

    1992
  • The firm celebrates its bicentenary

    1997
  • Royal Warrant of Appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales

    1998
  • Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM The Queen Mr Andrew Brownsword acquires the business

    2002
  • Paxton and Whitfield forms an alliance with Parisian cheese mongers, Androuet.

    2009
  • Paxton & Whitfield shop opens in Cale St, Chelsea.

    2014

Royal Warrants

The concept of the Royal Warrant of Appointment dates back to the advent of the monarchy. The King and his Court had to be provided for and, not surprisingly, had first call on the services of the best in the land. In return, being a Royal Tradesman conferred certain trading benefits over those not recognised. By the 15th century, Royal Tradesmen were formally appointed in writing by means of a Royal Warrant issued by the Lord Chamberlain, a practice which continues to this day.

Paxton & Whitfield gained their first Royal Warrant to Queen Victoria in 1850 and today we hold Royal Warrants of Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, and HRH The Prince of Wales.

Over the years we have also held Warrants to HM King Edward VII, HM King George V, HM King George VI and HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Please see the Royal Warrant Holders Association web-site for more information on the Royal Warrants.
www.royalwarrant.org

Corporate Facts

Registered Office 93 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 6JE
Paxton & Whitfield Ltd is a Company registered in England and Wales
Company Number 04179878
Vat Reg No 800 4859 45