About HB Longbone

HB Longobone and Son was established in 1946 by Harry Longbone, one of seven children from a railwayman's family, and his wife Nora. Harry started work aged 14 and trained as a master draper. Nora was also one of seven children, from a family of pork butchers. After the Second World War, Nora supported Harry in setting up his own venture when he bought the current premises in 1946.

After everyday schooling and National Service, Harry's son, Eric, joined what was then a traditional draper's shop. He developed the business and grew it to provide shops covering a range of products from specialist babywear and nursery goods through to menswear and ladieswear. At the same time they offered household textiles - bed lined, curtains, carpets, blinds, etc. From humble beginnings, Eric went on to become both Mayor and Sheriff of Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

Eric's wife, Nan, joined firm in the mid 1950s as well as raising a family of two and supporting her husband. She was equally pivotal in the growth of the business with her skill as a buyer sourcing great merchandise, and skill as an administrator assisting the firms growth immensely.

The business is now run by Eric and Nan's son Bryon Longbone, and has gone from strength to strength.