John Bennett & Company: A Century (and More!) of Billiards
The history of John Bennett & Company, unfortunately is clouded by significant loss of historical records. Piecing together the full story requires drawing on multiple sources and overcoming the challenges presented by fires that destroyed crucial documentation.
The company’s official history, compiled by John K. Bennett, the fifth generation in the business, states that the firm was founded in 1821. This date was discovered from an unopened letter found in 1963, postmarked 1893, which bore the company heading. However, research suggests that Victorian businessmen sometimes used contrived founding dates to appear more reliable. It seems that the earliest known representative, John Gibson Bennett (1819-1899), likely the founder, had an unusual background as a “Drug Broker” with no prior experience in the billiard trade. He began constructing and trading billiard tables in 1863, establishing the ‘Mediaeval Works’ at 9 Edward-street, Vincent-square, Westminster.
The company’s existence has been punctuated by numerous moves and devastating fires; in late 1868 the company moved to Surrey Street, Strand later known as Crown Works which was destroyed by fire in 1898 resulting in a loss of records. After the fire, the business briefly moved to Vincent Square.
A second premises at 120 Newington Causeway, SE1, had been opened here in 1891 becoming the primary address after the 1898 fire. However this too was destroyed by fire in 1941 in an incendiary raid during World War 2. The heat from the fire was so intense that billiard table slates turned to dust and also all existing records were lost too.
After World War 1, in 1918 the rear part of the Newington Causeway premises was redeveloped, necessitating a new works premises. 35 Rockingham Street, only 600 yards away, was acquired for a garage, warehouse, workrooms, and machine shop.
The London County Council acquired 35 Rockingham Street for redevelopment in 1931, leading to another move to the more convenient and modern 8 Rockingham Street. After the 1941 fire at Newington Causeway, the business operated solely from here, with a small corner converted into a shop and another part partitioned as an office. As the company grew, more suitable premises were found in 1952 on 49 Newington Causeway allowing the company to recover and expand.
In 1967 even larger premises were acquired in Old Kent Road, SE1, enabling considerable expansion. The company remained here until 1982.
Innovation and Expansion
The early tables of John Bennett & Co were noted for being “Tables for India and the Colonies not affected by variations in climate”. They also bore the Royal Coat of Arms.
First referenced in 1895, the ‘Defiance’ Low Cushion commonly appeared on table plates with the Newington Causeway address and in the early 1920s, the ‘Invicta’ cushion was introduced as a successor, remaining their primary cushion into the late 1960s.
Grosvenor Billiard Halls Ltd was formed in 1920, operating five billiard halls in Hackney, Canonbury, Watford, Islington, and Highbury, all of which were tragically destroyed during World War 2.
John Bennett & Co acquired W Stevens & Sons in 1967, who had themselves absorbed R Stevens & Sons and in 1974, they acquired the ‘traditional’ side of the Mister Billiards business, taking over an additional workshop in Streatham High Street.
In 1977, Arthur William Perry Junior, at the age of 70, sold his interests in A E Perry & Son, Brighton to John Bennett & Company. This brought an end to the business operating under the A E Perry name.
Legacy
The John Bennett & Company name gradually disappeared after it was acquired by E J Riley in 1979 and the Old Kent Road premises were closed in 1982. However Riley continued to use the distinctive John Bennett ball and pocket logo design.
The legacy of the company did not entirely fade, as in 2006, the John Bennett Billiards Ltd name was reinstated and a Thurston-trained table maker and fitter, Michael Hudson, continues the John Bennett legacy from premises in Kent.
John A Smith
Cues n Views
