About Us

About Us

A little bit about us and our history

Bowdens Hardware was opened at its current location, 2 Market Place, in 1934 by Reginald H. Bowden, known as Reggie, having formerly worked at Orchard's Ironmongers (now Trelawney's) The building at the centre of the town traces its provenance back to at least 1699 as a dating stone was discovered during building works.

Reggie's son Wesley worked in the shop and in the early 1970's took over the shop with his sister Carol, after Reggie's unexpected death. Their younger brother Charles also worked in the shop a little while after. In 1980 the shop expanded to take over number 3 Market Place and 2011 the basement of Number 3 (3A) came under the shop's umbrella.

Carol left the business in the 1990's and Wesley continued to trade on his own. Wesley passed away suddenly in October 2014 and two principal members of staff, Mark Slater and Caroline Langley continued to run the business with their combined 30+ years experience, before being joined by their partners to finally buy the business in January 2017.

Helston Home Hardware Ltd. trading as Bowdens Home Hardware formally opened on 1st February 2017 under the ownership of Martin Barnett, Caroline Langley, Mark Slater and Jean Slater. The name Bowdens was kept as a mark of respect to the families and because the business was so well-known by that name in the town and surrounding areas.