Founded in 1860, John William Potter opened Potters of Buxton as a department store specialising in fine quality clothing, hosiery and home textiles. His father was the pioneer of the hand-wrought hosiery, the good qualities of which were synonymous with the family at the time and for which they were known across the country.

After initially serving his apprenticeship at the family drapery business in Bakewell, John continued his business training in Manchester and London; and in 1860 established the business at Burlington House in the beautiful Spa Town of Buxton — just 100 metres from where we are situated today.

In May 1867, John William Potter reopened the Hot Bath Colonnade Branch following the complete rebuild of the gentlemen's hot thermal baths, which the store was situated next door to. It was these thermal spas and baths that the town was famous for, bringing visitors from across the country.

The store stocked an extensive range of hosiery — the majority of which was still produced at the family's factory in Matlock — along with gloves and perfumes. Much smaller than Burlington House, it was typically where visitors could purchase hosiery and gifts after visiting the baths.

After a decade of service to the town, the business needed to expand — and this brings us to where we reside today: London House. Just 100 metres from its previous premises, London House is a four-storey property on the corner of Terrace Road, looking out onto the slopes — a picturesque area landscaped in 1811 as a pleasure ground for guests of the nearby Crescent Hotel.

The shop is housed over two floors, and in 1903 a major renovation led to the installation of the central staircase that still runs through the middle of the shop today. Up until the mid-1970s there was also a workroom where clothes were made, and in later years it served as an alteration room where customer purchases were tailored to their requirements.

Between approximately 1938 and 1960, the shop was owned and run by Mr John Edenbrow Taverner. Mr Taverner had worked under John William Potter and then his sons for many years, learning the trade before buying the business in approximately 1938.

In 1960, the shop was sold to Mr Harold Cole and his wife Ethel, who managed the business until 1971 when they both retired. Our research has unfortunately been unable to locate much information about the shop during this period, however what is clear is that both owners maintained and preserved the original traditions and roots that John William Potter had built the store's foundations on back in 1860.

Upon Mr Harold Cole's retirement in 1971, the store was sold to Roy Nuttall and his wife Joan, who were originally from Kirkby-in-Ashfield. At the heart of the shop has always been a team of knowledgeable, friendly staff members who are always on hand to assist in any way required.

Today, the store is still proudly owned and run by the Nuttall family's third generation. We continue to build on the foundations laid by John William Potter over years ago — blending heritage with modern fashion and an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service.