Records of Harrisons Nursery Garden in Kensington, 1755-1839. The most interesting are the records of the nursery and seed business begun by Henry Hewitt in 1775 or earlier and carried on by his nephews John and Samuel Harrison. These include account books and stock books which list a wide variety of seeds of vegetables and flowers, bulbs bought from Holland, and seedlings of various ornamental trees, shrubs and fruit trees. Some were grown at the nursery but the majority were grown by country farmers on contract. The business was run with some success and had regular clients in all parts of England including many titled families. It was the practice for one of the partners to travel round the country to collect payment for outstanding accounts and probably orders (for the expenses for these trips include many gratuities to gardeners). In spite of this and an apparent high turnover, however, clients were bad at paying bills and the business was sometimes in difficulties. New partners brought fresh capital from time to time. The last partner was William Bristowe who joined in 1819 with, a fourth share, the firm then being described as Harrison and Bristowe. In 1833, however, Samuel Harrison was described as a bankrupt.
Also included are the records of Lane and Prideaux, solicitors, 1775-1839, concerning the settlement of the estate of Samuel Harrison, a bankrupt, and the estate of his uncle Henry Hewitt, d.1790 and other relatives and friends for whom the Harrison family acted as executors, and the payment of annuities under Henry Hewitt's will.
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