61 High Street

The Stedman Family

Although Richard Broomfield Stedman was a mainstay of West Malling life throughout the mid-19th century, we can trace earlier members of his family back to the town prior to this. James Stedman, Richard’s grandfather, ran his business from this property and when he died, it was taken over by Richard’s Uncle, William, who remained in charge until his death in 1850. The 1851 census shows that the business was subsequently taken over by another druggist and stationer, Francis Wisenden, whilst at the same time, we see Richard Broomfield Stedman appearing for the first time in the West Malling census at nos.85-87 (Boots).

As we will learn, the location of Stedmans Chemist switched to and from two High Street properties, no.61 and nos.85-87 (Boots). More information about the earlier members of the Stedman family, including Richard’s grandfather James, can be found in the Notebook section of nos.85-87.

The Stedman Magazine

Although Richard Broomfield was operating his business from 85-87 High Street (Boots the Chemist) at the time the Stedman Magazine was being published, information about this local publication has been included with this property as the building is arguably the spiritual home of the Stedman family in West Malling.

The Malling Magazine was first published at around 1859. In today’s standards, the magazine would probably be better described as a pamphlet but if the Editor’s description of its success is anything to go by, it was very well received – the following Preface was taken from the final edition of the first Volume(1)…

The magazine featured a mix of creative writing, educational articles, contributed poetry, intellectual challenges, letters and practical information including local train timetables and journey prices. The editor obviously tried hard to appeal to a wide range of readers – with articles about Rembrandt through to a contributed poem titled Jack Hayes, Dustman of Malling. The obvious struggle to satisfy as many people as possible was probably the result of a mixed bag of contributions that the editor received…

“The only difficulties he (the editor) has experienced have been those which arose in making a judicious selection from the various manuscripts which have been inserted for inclusion. And he can truly say that he has invariably attempted, without fear or favour, to make choice of the best materials at hand.”

Four editions of the magazine can still be viewed at the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone and contain an interesting insight into life at the time. Stedman also took the opportunity to use the publication as a means of advertising a wide range of his business’ medical remedies and associated products, for example his Family & Antibilious Pills which, from the advert above, we can see that Stedman was keen to make clear did not contain a single particle of Mercury, ‘…or any other injurious ingredient whatever.’ Another of Stedman’s adverts that caught the eye promoted the availability of a sweet smelling toilet preparation called Stedman’s Malling Bouquet.