Business History Explorer Supported by the Business Archives Council

Wisden, John, & Co Ltd

Other Business Names:

  • Wisden, John
  • Lillywhite, Fred
  • Wisden Cricketer's Almanack
  • Luff, Henry
  • Dark, F, & Son
  • Duke & Son
  • Taylor Rolph & Co
  • Whitaker, J, & Sons Ltd

Locations city-town / local authority / county1974 / region-state / country:

  • London, Greater London, Greater London, Greater London, England
  • Mortlake, Greater London, Greater London, Greater London, England
  • Penshurst, Kent, Kent, South East, England
  • Tonbridge, Kent, Kent, South East, England
  • West Ham, Greater London, Greater London, Greater London, England

Sectors:

  • Publishing & printing Other publishing
  • Luxury / consumer goods production Sports equipment production
  • Distribution - retailing Sports goods retailing
  • Distribution - retailing Tobacco products retailing

Notes:

Traced origins to the well known cricketer, John Wisden, 1826-84, who in 1855, with Fred Lillywhite, established a cricket and cigar shop in Coventry St, London. From 1864 published annual Wisden Cricketer's Almanack, the so-called 'cricketer's bible'. From 1870 known as John Wisden & Co. 1884 business acquired by Henry Luff. By 1880s selling wide range of cricket accessories and diversified into other sports by 1890s. 1897 started manufacturing cricket balls at Tonbridge, Kent, followed soon after by other equipment. 1914 incorporated and opened West Ham factory. From 1914 made several acquisitions beginning with F Dark & Son, retailers of cricket gear at Lords and, later, Duke & Son, bat makers, Taylor Rolph & Co, bowl manufacturers, etc. 1925 opened factory at Mortlake. 1938 sold publishing interests to J Whitaker & Sons Ltd. 1939 in receivership when reorganised. After 1945 consolidated operations at Penshurst

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