Clarks of Retford, Nottinghamshire скачать в хорошем качестве

Clarks of Retford, Nottinghamshire

Clarks of Retford became woven into the town’s industrial character for more than two centuries. The story began in 1788, when Hezekiah Clark arrived in Retford after the collapse of the Revolution Mill and set up a small dyeing business. His family expanded the trade through the 19th century, with a major turning point in 1850 when Charles Clark moved operations to Grove Street and embraced the newly invented French method of dry‑cleaning. This innovation transformed the firm from a traditional dyeworks into a modern cleaning enterprise. By the 1890s, Clarks had grown into a steam‑powered operation. Continued expansion pushed the business to Hallcroft in the early 20th century, and by 1930 it had a prominent shop in Market Square. The company reached its height in the mid‑20th century, employing hundreds and running an extensive network of shops across the region. A thriving postal service helped build its reputation far beyond Retford. Changing domestic habits and rising operating costs in the 1960s and 70s, however, eroded its dominance. After the business was sold in 1980, closures followed quickly, and the Hallcroft Works shut in 1985, bringing an era to an end.