Our Heritage
A potted history
Paxton & Whitfield was first recorded as a partnership in 1797, but its origins began in 1742 when Stephen Cullum set up a cheese stall in Aldwych market. As London became increasingly affluent Sam Cullum (Stephen's son) moved his cheese business closer to his wealthy customer base, near to Jermyn Street where there is still a shop today. He also took on two new partners - Harry Paxton and Charles Whitfield. Ironically it is their names, not his, which grace the shop fronts now. The Company's reputation grew steadily, culminating in 1850 with the honour of being appointed cheesemonger to HM Queen Victoria. It was the first of many Royal Warrants that the Company has held.
While the earlier years were good for Paxton & Whitfield, times were tougher from the 1860s. Smart society's appetite for traditional English farmhouse cheese was fading in favour of Continental cheese and, in England, factory style production was becoming the established practice. Many artisan cheeses totally disappeared as small farmers sent their milk to industrial creameries. This trend continued throughout the two World Wars and, in the 1940s, with eggs, butter and cheese in short supply 93 Jermyn Street became an ordinary grocery shop.
After World War II and a series of different owners, business improved as Paxtons rekindled their contacts with the traditional cheesemakers of rural Britain and started bringing in the best that Europe could offer. Two new Paxtons opened, in Stratford upon Avon and Bath not to mention their virtual shop on the web. Customers who value quality know they will always be able to find it at Paxtons. As Winston Churchill once observed "a gentleman buys his cheese at Paxton & Whitfield". In Paxton's third century of trading we hope you will allow us to help you enjoy the fascinating and diverse world of cheese too.
A gentleman buys his hats at Locks, his shoes at Lobbs, his shirts at Harvie and Hudson, his suits at Huntsman and his cheese at Paxton & Whitfield.
Winston Churchill
1742
Stephen Cullum sets up a cheese stall in Clare Market off the Aldwych.
1750s
Demand for cheese is fuelled by an influx of workers from the country and Society's taste for entertaining.
1772
Stephen's son Sam opens a shop in Southampton Street.
1770s
Stephen sells the market stall, takes on a partner called Paxton and opens a shop in Swallow Street.
1782
Sam opens a new shop at 37 Swallow Street of Piccadilly.
1790
Sam has two new partners - Harry Paxton and Charles Whitfield.
1797
First record of Paxton & Whitfield as a named partnership.
1835
Swallow Street shop closes to allow the building of Regent Street. Business moves to 18 Jermyn Street.
1836
Sam Cullum dies.
1850
Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM Queen Victoria.
1853
The fluid partnerships of the last 50 years give way to the definitive name of Paxton & Whitfield, the name the firm bears with pride to this day.
1890s
Mr Mann acquires the business.
1896
The business moves to 93 Jermyn Street.
1901
Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM King Edward VII.
1910
Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM King George V.
1929
Mr Fred Moore acquires the business.
1932
Royal Warrant of Appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales, Edward VIII.
1936
Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM King George VI.
1951
Mr Archie Moore takes over the business on his father's death.
1972
Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
1974
Mr Dermot Adamson acquires the business.
1984
Mr Ewan Adamson takes over the business on his father's death.
1992
Mr Arthur Cunynghame acquires the business.
1993
Paxton & Whitfield open shop on John Street in Bath.
1997
The firm celebrates its bicentenary.
1998
Royal Warrant of Appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales.
2002
Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM The Queen. Mr Andrew Brownsword acquires the business.
2009
Paxton and Whitfield forms an alliance with Parisian cheese mongers, Androuet.
2014
Paxton & Whitfield shop opens a pop up in Cale St, Chelsea.
2022
We moved into our new Cheese HQ in Bouton-on-the-Water, with a new state-of-the-art maturation facility and larger warehouse operations.
2023
Paxton & Whitfield open their fourth shop in historical Canterbury on Palace Street on the iconic King's Mile.
2023
Paxton & Whitfield join Planet Mark & Pasture for Life.
2024
The Bath shop relocates from John Street after 31 years at John Street to Green Street.
2024
Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM The King, Charles III.
Royal warrants
The concept of the Royal Warrant of Appointment dates back to the advent of the monarchy. The King and his Court had to be provided for and, not surprisingly, had first call on the services of the best in the land. In return, being a Royal Tradesman conferred certain trading benefits over those not recognised. By the 15th century, Royal Tradesmen were formally appointed in writing by means of a Royal Warrant issued by the Lord Chamberlain, a practice which continues to this day.
Paxton & Whitfield gained their first Royal Warrant to Queen Victoria in 1850 and today we hold a Royal Warrant of Appointment to His Majesty The King as of 2024.
Over the years we have also held Warrants to HM King Edward VII, HM King George V, HM King George VI , HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, and HRH The Prince of Wales.
Please see the Royal Warrant Holders Association website for more information on the Royal Warrants. royalwarrant.org/
Corporate facts
Registered Office 93 Jermyn Street,
London, SW1Y 6JE
Paxton & Whitfield Ltd is a Company registered in England and Wales
Company Number: 04179878
VAT Reg No: 800 4859 45
