WALTER WILLSONS, SHIRLEY TERRACE.

At its height, the Walter Willson chain of shops reached 185 outlets throughout the northern counties. Known simply as “Walters,” the shop at Evenwood dates back to at least 1914. In 1998, when the family owned company was bought out by “Alldays,” there were 48 stores, including the one at Evenwood. Since then there have been several changes in ownership and currently (July 2023), the shop is under the “McColl’s” trade name which, since 2022, has been part of the Morrison franchise.

Who was Walter Willson?

Walter De Lancey Willson was born in 1846 at Little Amwell, Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire, the son of William and Emma Willson who were the Governor and Matron of the Union Workhouse at Bishop Stortforth. At 14 years of age, he found employment with Lingfords [famous for its baking powder] then at 16, he was recorded as a servant to Thomas May, grocer, in Marylebone, London. In 1865, Walter married Mary Ann Cooper at Sutton Courtenay, near Abingdon, Berkshire. By 1871, Walter Willson was a resident of Bishop Auckland, living at Tenters Street and described as “a Grocer’s Manager.” In 1875, aged about 29, he opened his first shop in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland.

Below: Walter Willson (1846-1907)

The Growth of Walter Willsons

The venture proved successful, other shops were opened throughout County Durham. By 1881, Walter was described as “a Retail Grocer employing 65 men and 14 boys.” At this time, the family lived at Etherley. There were 4 children and 5 members of the household staff living there.

Below: 1881 Census Return for Walter & Mary Ann “Pollie” Willson

Having expanded his business to 10 shops, Walter realised he needed help and advertised for a partner. Stephen Harry Aitchison [1863 – 1942] was appointed. Stephen was the son of John and Elizabeth Aitchison and lived at Tenters Street, Bishop Auckland. His father, John Aitchison, was employed as an Excise Officer. In 1881, an 18 years old Stephen was recorded as “a Grocer’s Clerk.” In 1891, Stephen married Walter’s oldest daughter, Alice Mary.

The family firm continued to expand throughout the North East. In 1905, Walter retired and Stephen Aitchison took control of the business. By this time, Walter and family lived at Gateshead and owned a country property at Kirklinton Park, Carlisle. In 1907, aged 61, Walter Willson died leaving about £200,000. [2019 valuation, approx. £24M].

Walter Willson Ltd. under the Aitchison family

Stephen Aitchison bought his father in law’s share of the business and formed a limited company which he wholly owned. He and his wife, Alice and their 4 children lived at Gosforth. By 1911, the family moved to Beal, Northumberland.

Below: 1901 Census Return for Stephen & Alice Aitchison

Below: 1911 Census Return for Stephen & Alice Aitchison

In 1928, Stephen Harry Aitchison was knighted and in 1938, he was awarded a baronetcy. In 1942, Sir Stephen Harry Aitchison K.B. died.

His son Sir Walter de Lancey Aitchison, 2nd Baronet [1892 – 1953] then Sir Stephen 3rd Baronet [1923 – 1958] and the present baronet, Sir Charles Walter de Lancey Aitchison [b.1951] are believed to have run the company until 1998 when it was sold to Alldays.

Evenwood Staff

Over the years, many from Evenwood have worked at Walters such as Pamela Sams and Ruth Maddison (nee Summerfield) who chalked up over 50 years’ service between them.

Below: Oswald Robson