Home > About Us
About Us
Spantons History
The business of Spanton's was founded by Robert Spanton who came to Whitby from Thornton Le Dale in 1869. In 1883 he set up in business on his own as a 'hatter, hosier and Gentlemans Mercer', in premises at 34 Flowergate. The business stayed in the Spanton family until 1974 when it was taken over by Bob Barleycorn.
The current store owner, Lynda Robinson, took over the business in the year 2000 and has since added a 'Ladieswear' collection to compliment the earlier menswear and hirewear sections of the business.
As a matter of interest, Mr Norman Spanton retained the framed 'Indenture of Apprenticeship' of his grandfather to the ironmongers trade. It is noted that he was to be paid eight shillings per week for the third and fourth, and twelve shillings per week for the fifth year. In addition to many clauses and conditions in the Indenture it is fascinating to read that 'He shall not contract matrimony; shall not play at cards or dice tables or any other unlawful games whereby his said Master shall have any loss with his own goods. He shall not haunt the Taverns or Playhouses nor absent himself from his said Masters service, day or night unlawfully'.