William Gardner & Company, Provision Merchants

The firm of William Gardner & Co., were founder members of the Liverpool Provision Trade Association. This explains why the forty-three volumes of its "Provision Trade Circulars" survived in the Archives of the Association. Because of the importance of Liverpool as a major importing port, these records are of national importance and essential to the study of the national economy in depth during the latter half of the nineteenth century. It is significant that they cover the Irish Famine year, 1847, Great Exhibition year, 1851, and the American Civil War years. The Provision Circulars are an incomplete run from 1847-1896. Also included were 26 volumes of The Grocer, 1899-1913, again the run is incomplete (these items are missing as at March 2024). For further details see the attached catalogue or contact The Archives Centre for a copy of the catalogue. The collection is stored offsite and will be recalled upon request. Please contact The Archives Centre with details of the items you wish to consult and to arrange a visit to the Searchroom.