Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Jewellers shuts up shop after more than half a century
Long-running business opened 56 years ago
One of Canterbury’s longest established family businesses has likely closed its doors for the final time.
Stilwell Jewellers in Burgate has been trading for 56 years, but owner Charlotte Stilwell says it has lost its sparkle due to a combination of factors, including the pandemic lockdowns. She had planned to permanently close the shop at the start of January, but Tier 4 rules have forced her to shut prematurely, with little chance of reopening again unless the restrictions are lifted in the new year.
It brings to an end more than half-a-century for the popular jewellers, which was opened by Charlotte’s grandfather, Ken, and then run by her dad, Michael, until she joined him in the store about 14 years ago. She has run the business herself for the last six years but says a neurological condition which affects her hands has led her to decide to shut up shop. “It’s begun to affect my ability to handle small things like jewellery clasps so I was thinking about calling it a day before the pandemic hit and forced us to close, which has obviously hit trade,” she said. Charlotte, 48, has long family ties in Canterbury - her great grandfather ran the Chaucer Hotel - and the shop has enjoyed the trade of many loyal customers over the years.
“We have seen generations of families come into the shop for Christening, birthday, wedding
and anniversary presents which has been a joy, “she said. But the business has also suffered two robberies - one three years ago, but the most frightening in 2008 when a knifeman armed with a 12-inch blade threatened to kill terrified Charlotte and another staff member before stealing £124,000 worth of merchandise and money. Stephen Baker locked them in a back room, cut phone lines and cleared an entire window display of diamond rings, earrings and pendants. Speaking at the time, Michael Stilwell said: “Being robbed like this is something you always think about as an occupational hazard. In 40 years of business we’ve had windows smashed - but never had an armed raid like this.”
Baker was later caught and
jailed for a minimum of six years.
Although a frightening ordeal, mum-of-two Charlotte says the incident did not put her off later taking on the business.
But the Covid pandemic and concerns over her health have left her no choice but to call it a day.
“We have many loyal customers so it is sad and I am going to miss them,” she said.
“But no one wants to take on a business like this in the current uncertain climate.
“I will still have to work so will be looking for other employment and have previously worked in administration for the customs office and the NHS.”
The premises will be returned to the landlord, the Dean and Chapter, in the new year, which is already marketing it for let.