Shop to close after 'astonishing run' of 154 years

Jonathan Hewitt says the closure will be the end of an era

The owner of one of Grimsby's oldest surviving businesses has announced it is to close.

G Hewitt & Son jewellers, in Victoria Street, was founded by George Hewitt in 1871.

His great-grandson, Jonathan Hewitt, who has worked at the store since the age of 16, said he was hanging up his jeweller's loupe after 50 years.

"We've had an astonishing run, 154 years is not a bad innings," he said.

Commenting on the closure, Mr Hewitt described it as the end of an era.

"It's been an absolute privilege to be part of, and also such an integral piece of Grimsby's high street history, but it is the right time for us to close the doors," he said.

"We've been fortunate to have an amazing team that's played a crucial role in our success over the years."

Mr Hewitt said his great-grandfather, who was a local farmer and renowned horseman, started the venture due to his keen interest in clocks and pocket watches.

He was very well-respected in the trade, Mr Hewitt said.

"We were one of the first Rolex retailers in the UK, with our records showing Rolex sales as early as 1919."

It was also rumoured that his great-grandfather met Hans Wilsdorf – the founder of Rolex and Tudor.

The family's collection includes two Rolex watches, dating from 1919 and 1933, that both bear Rolex and G. Hewitt & Son on the dial.

G Hewitt & Son was founded in 1871

The shop, which was originally located at 80 Victoria Street, moved to larger premises at 10 Victoria Street in 1939, shortly before the outbreak of World War Two.

At the time, Mr Hewitt said two of his uncles went to war, one joining the RAF and the other the Royal Marines. His father, Arthur, the youngest of the boys, helped run the business with his mother, who was left in charge due to her husband's ill health.

More recently, Mr Hewitt's daughter, Christina, worked as head of operations at the family-run firm.

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