tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882578413887103850.post1995609023689416768..comments2024-03-25T22:53:57.841+00:00Comments on Demolition Exeter: No. 237, High Street: The West of England Fire and Life Insurance CompanyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882578413887103850.post-37465932739319253562015-06-07T16:55:45.624+01:002015-06-07T16:55:45.624+01:00Hi there - when my Dad, Henry Holladay, authorised...Hi there - when my Dad, Henry Holladay, authorised the publication in the Original 1963 Golden Hammer Booklet the following was written about The West of England Fire & Life Company. Where the words in the text state "Golden Hammer" this refers, according to the date, to either Kingdon & Sons, Garton & Jarvis. Garton & King or Garton & King Ltd.<br />A copy of the updated version of the Golden Hammer is obtainable - visit www.exeterfoundry.org.uk<br />NOTE: THE FOLLOWING TEXT WAS WRITTEN IN 1963<br /><br /> There is a record still extant of the payment of £1,500 by the West of England Insurance Company, which to-day still does business with the Golden Hammer as the Commercial Union.<br />For over 150 years the connection has been maintained. Samuel Kingdon II was one of the original local directors of the West of England Insurance Company, and the archives of the Golden Hammer contain a copy of the original policy applying to the Kingdon premises, issued one year after the West of England Insurance Company was founded. Thenceforward the latter maintained continuous assurance coverage on that property, and this was carried on when the Commercial Union Company took over the older concern. .<br />The business connection has always been a two-way traffic, for the Golden Hammer received a contract, which is still held, for railings and other ironwork outside the old West of England Insurance Company's premises. Though this work was demolished during the Second World War, it was fortunate that a photograph had been taken, and this is held with the contract.<br />When the present Commercial Union building was erected in High Street after the war, tradition was still maintained, for the contract for the electrical and domestic installations went to the Golden Hammer.<br /><br />Regards, Richard HolladayAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15272955894632988732noreply@blogger.com