Historic 'oldest shop' in English city is forced to shut its doors after 160 years of trading - with soaring bills blamed

Daily Mail​

17-06-2025

One of the 'oldest' shops in Bristol has been forced to shutter its doors after 160 due to the crippling effects of soaring bills.
WH Mogford & Son, tucked away in Westbury-on-Trym high street, has been a traditional hardware store since 1860s.
And even in the two decades before its becoming a tool shop, it served as an ironmongers.
But now, the time to close its doors for the final time has come around with its owner Paul Gillam making a saddening announcement to reeling customer on June 14.
Taking to Facebook, Mr Gillam, who has spent the last 30 years tirelessly working in the shop, announced the store's 'long history' would be coming to an end.
Giving an official closing date of September 2025, he revealed the business which he took over in 2004, was shuttering 'permanently' due to sky rocketing bills.
'I have come to this decision due to the continuing decline in customer numbers, the increasing costs of stock, staffing, bank and utility charges and the desperate state of repair of the rented premises,' he said.
'I would like to thank the many local customers who have supported us over the years.'
Described as an 'Aladdin's cave of DIY, gardening and pet supplies', WH Mogford & Son gained popularity for selling individual items rather than multi packs, such as a single nail or one Rawlplug.
During the pandemic, the team recalled how one gentleman would walk to the shop each week to buy 10 screws for 1p each, just so he could have a chat with staff.
Mr Gillam had taken on various job roles over the years, before he eventually came to the helm of the historic hardware store after the previous owner, the last Mogford to ever own it, went into retirement in 2004.
He ran WH Mogford & Son, which was previously dubbed by M Shed as the oldest store in the city alongside his daughter Sophie, who took over the book-keeping after her grandmother retired.
One Bristol local, who grew up nearby, described the imminent store closure as 'terrible news'.
He told MailOnline how his mother 'always said that for anything around the house, from torches to screwdrivers to pet food, if Mogford's didn't have it then no one would'.
He added: 'I've always popped in there still for odd things. Friendly, helpful - a real old-fashioned shop in the best sense of the description.'
Following the announcement, other locals and customers were quick to share their dismay at the shop's closure.
'Very sorry to hear this. Have known the shop my entire life, as grew up, and still live, in Westbury-on-Trym,' one said.
'My father used to sell the spare parts for Tilley StormLight paraffin lanterns to the tall slim chap, always thought his name was John Mogford, but not certain of that.
'There will be many many saddened people when they hear this news. Mogfords has been a much loved and relied upon business in the village throughout generations.'
Another added: 'A huge loss to the village, you will be very much missed. My sons call your shop 'the shop that sells everything'.
'As a fellow business owner I am aware of the significant rise in operating costs over the last few years. I can't imagine how difficult this decision has been for you.
'On behalf of the local community a huge thank you and best wishes for your next 'chapter'.'
A local chimed in: 'I'm sorry to hear about this Paul. I was born in Westbury-on-Trym in late 1940's & I knew Mogfords Ironmongers shop well until I left in my early teens.
'[I] have returned to the local area on several occasions over the years and made a point to see it.
'The shop is like part of the furniture that makes the village and will be surely sadly missed.'
Nearby Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol Zoo, which was the oldest provincial animal enclosure shut down its main centre after 186 years.
The zoo, which was on the edge of Clifton Downs closed its main centre due to the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns.
At the time, the society said: 'For many years, Bristol Zoo Gardens has faced various challenges. Namely, declining visitor numbers, the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and the challenges of meeting the changing needs of the animals.'
According to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium, 24 zoos were at risk of closing due to the third national lockdown.