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https://www.facebook.com/groups/norfolk.history.tales.myths/posts/5245730458775951/Walter Darlow was born in 1861 but where, is not known. Around the Bedford area, were several Darlow’s, most of whom were agricultural labourers. So, it’s presumed that although some may have been relatives, Walter had originated elsewhere.
By 1891 he was trading as an ironmonger in Midland Road, Bedford and would no doubt have also sold guns and cartridges as a side-line. But by 1897, Walter also described himself as a gunmaker. Three years later during 1900, he registered a limited company, Darlow Ltd, and bought the former business of J. H. Emms at 8 Orford Hill, in Norwich. Only a few years earlier in 1897, Mr. Emms had in turn, bought this from George Jeffries who not only had branches in both Norwich and Cambridge, but was a Norwich gunmaker 1841 to 1899 and had several patents credited to his name. The Bedford firm meanwhile continued trading as Walter Darlow, and at some time purchased rivals H. Adkin & Sons there as well.
Around 1917, the firm in Norwich ceased trading as W Darlow Ltd, to become Darlow & Co while in Bedford, the Walter Darlow name remained. They later bought out local rivals H. Adkin & Sons and during 1940, also began trading as Walter Darlow.
In Norwich, Darlow’s was located at No. 8 Orford Hill, their premises facing towards the main entrance of the former Bell Hotel, opposite. The 18th century house which became Grade ll Listed on 26th February, 1954, was best-known for the Stag which proudly stood on the top front part of the building for over a century and was originally, made of concrete. But after a fire in 1973, the stag was removed for safety reasons. It then took until the summer of 1984 until it was replaced on 19th June 1984 by the glass fibre replica. Given the height of the building, the replacement animal was hoisted into place with the aid of a Norfolk Fire Services snorkel! Immediately before the ‘installation’, appropriate speeches were made by the Lord Mayor and the head mistress of Blyth-Jex school where the new model had been made.
Three years later in 1976, the Norwich business became a limited company, Darlow & Co (Gunsmiths) Ltd. It appears to have ceased trading around 1985.