Regency Hot Spots: Mr. Aldridge’s Repository

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You may have heard of Tattersall’s, but do you know of Mr. Aldridge’s Horse Repository?


In Upper St. Martin’s Lane, it was an institution in London from approximately 1743-1940. It would also be known as Aldridge’s Repository or Aldridge’s Repository for Horses and Carriages, as well as later Aldridge’s Horse Bazaar (Aldridge’s Plaque – The Seven Dials Trust, Covent Garden, London).

Famous for selling horses and carriages, Aldridge took over the business for Beaver in the 1740s. He would be succeeded by his son, Aldrige, who in turn would be succeeded by Mr. Morris. Aldridge’s pre-dated Tattersall’s, which was founded around 1760.
ALDRIDGE's was the original as a repofitory and the first inftitution of the kind in the king dom It was opened upon fpeculation by a MR BEAVER in which he acquired fame and fortune This is principally appropriated to the fale hunters light carriage horfes famous trotters fporting like hacknies and others of every de fcription from which univerfality of accommoda tion notwithstanding the great extent of the pre mifes there is but very feldom a fingle ftall to fpare The fales at LANGHORN's principally con fit of ftage coach waggon and cart horfes hacks and occafionally government horfes of the dif mounted cavalry The Sporting Dictionary, and Rural Repository of General Information Upon Every Subject Appertaining to the Sports of the Field, Etc. (1803)

Tattersall’s, by comparison, was better known for sporting stock (including dogs), hunters and brood mares.

TOR O be sold by public auction by Mr Aldridge at his Repository in St Martin's Lane on Wednesday the 16th day of May instant at the hour of One o clock in the Afternoon pursuant to an order of the Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt awarded against William Eames of the Haymarket Horse Dealer Dealer and Chapman The lease of all that messuage or tenement situate on the west side of the Haymarket and adjoining to Waterloo Yard formerly called George Yard and also all that piece or parcel of ground called or known by the name of Waterloo Yard for merly called the George Yard together with the several stables coach houses sheds thereon erected and being under certain rooms and premises of William Tyler and as the same late were or now are in the occupation of the said William Eames twenty seven years whereof will remain un expired at Midsummer day next at the annual rent of three hundred pounds The further particulars and conditions of sale may be had by application to Messieurs Jones and Bland Solicitors to the Commission No 34 Great Mary le bone Street Mr Fisher Solicitor No 1 Inner Temple Lane and also of Mr Aldridge at his Repository in Saint Martin's Lane

The London Gazette (1821)

Morning Post – Tuesday 16 June 1801

Aldridge’s would be occasionally mentioned in court cases or in Parliamentary debates. In the mid 19th century, accusations of insider dealing clashed with their otherwise sterling reputation.  The last horse sale was known to occur in 1926. (Aldridge’s Plaque – The Seven Dials Trust, Covent Garden, London).

 

 

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2 Responses to Regency Hot Spots: Mr. Aldridge’s Repository

  1. M. L. Kappa says:
    December 6, 2023 at 9:13 am

    Loved this post, especially since I’m a bloodstock breeder and still buy and sell at Tatts

    • Anne says:
      December 7, 2023 at 2:26 pm

      Thank you! I stumbled upon Aldridge’s, and had to share as I had only been aware of Tattersall’s…but I am not as steeped in that world as you obviously are. Fascinating to contemplate how your experiences today may be similar to Regency people!