Some History About Larter & Ford
Larter and Ford, a long-standing hardware and cookware store in Diss, has a history dating back to 1832 when it was known as Aldridge Bros and housed an iron foundry. A significant fire in 1938 led to its acquisition by Mr. Larter and Mr. Ford, reopening in 1940 with its recognizable name, and the business has been in the hands of a few owners since, maintaining its legacy of dedicated hardware and household items.
The Original Store - John Aldridge Ltd
Key points in the history of Larter and Ford:
- Origins: The business started in 1832 as Aldridge Bros, operating as an iron foundry until it was destroyed by fire in 1938. If you stand outside the shop you can still see where the roofline of the original building once was.
- Larter and Ford Era: In 1940, after the fire, Mr. Larter and Mr. Ford acquired the site and reopened it as Larter and Ford, a hardware and cookware shop, which has retained this name ever since. The building is built in the 40’s Art Deco style and whilst covered up currently, has features such as glass lantern ceiling features.
- Ownership Changes: The business has seen several ownership transitions but has only had in total 6 owners in its whole existence
- The current owners, Andrew and Michael took over the shop on 1st August 2024, with the aim to uphold the shop’s history and customer service.
- Modern Services: Beyond hardware and cookware, Larter and Ford also offers a dry-cleaning franchise called The Linen Press, a Beccles based family firm.
- Continued Legacy: Despite changes in ownership, the business remains a vital part of Diss’s Heritage Triangle, known for its wide range of products and commitment to customer service and a great range of independent shops