Your traditional Jewellers since 1817
If you are looking for fine jewellery in a traditional jewellers then you can find us in Minster Street, Salisbury, . At W. Carter & Son we can offer a large range of services as you will see below. Visit our shop today to discuss your specific requirements and experience our traditional values.
History of W. Carter & Son
W Carter & Son Limited is one of the oldest family business in Wiltshire & as you will see below we have been trading from the same premises for over 200years….
1817 - 1819
On 10th March 1817, William Carter announces the commencement of his business as a watch & clock maker at 3 Minster Street after purchasing the stock from William Bennett who was the clock & watch maker in the Salisbury Market-place.
1820 - 1853
In 1820 William Carter and his wife Ann give birth to a son, William Carter
1854 - 1876
When in 1854 William Carter and his wife Ann pass away through cholera, young William Carter takes on the W. Carter & Son business
1877 - 1890
In 1877 William Carter expands the shop and buys 5 Minster Street and by this stage the shop is listed as a Jewellers, silversmiths, watch & clock makers.
1891 - 1933
In 1891, William Carters son, William Holderness Carter is made a partner in the business. In 1893 William Holderness takes over the business from his father. In 1894 sees Percy Holes start working in the business as an apprentice
1834 - 1953
In 1934, Stanley Holmes, Percy’s Son begins working for Bessie Carter, in the workshop, at this point Percy is now in partnership with the Carter family and then during the Second World War Stanley spent his time as an instrument maker.
1954 - 1967
1954 sees Stanley Holmes and his wife Phyllis Joan ‘Joan’ managing the shop when tragically Percy dies winding the clocks at Longford Castle.
Seven years later Brian Holmes (Stanley & Joan’s’) eldest Son joins the business followed by his younger brother Eric ‘Tad’ Holmes two years later.
1962 Bessie Carter passes away at the age of 91, this sees the Holmes family take over full ownership of W. Carter and Son
1968 - 2005
In 1968, Andrew Cross joins the business as an in house engraver and stayed with us until 2018.
2006 - 2010
In 2006 when Stanley Holmes dies and both Brian & Tad take on the business.
2010 - 2013
2010 sees Sebastian Salt join the business as a Gemmologist and later in 2011 becomes director and part owner; he is then joined later in 2011 by fellow director & Brian’s daughter, Paulette Newman.
2011 see's the end of 49 years of the Holme's full ownership as they go into partnership with the Salt family.
2014 - 2016
In 2014 Charlotte Salt, Sebastian’s wife joins the business and later in 2016 Clive Rebbeck joins as manager.
2017 - Today
Over the years W Carter & Son has been a Watch & Clockmakers, jewellers, silversmiths and even an opticians, today W Carter & Son is a flourishing shop providing Salisbury and surrounding areas with our wealth of experience, knowledge & expertise offering a range of services from new & antique jewellery, new & pre-owned clocks & watches, valuation services, hand & machine engraving, jewellery & watch repairs, bespoke jewellery designs, silversmith
