The History of L.H. Turtle Ltd.

Louis Henry Turtle, born in 1861 began his working life on the factory floor of a firm of manufacturing cutlers in Sheffield. He later became the firm's commercial traveler, when top hats for representatives was the order of the day. His territory included Ireland where he traveled between smaller towns by horse drawn jaunting cart.

In 1894 he bought the retail tool and cutlery shop at 6 Crown Hill, Croydon, which remained in the family until 1964. Over the years the shop was extended by, initially, building over the garden and then, in 1913, by the acquisition of an old malt house situated at the end of the garden. The new space was turned into a workshop for saw sharpening, tool grinding and cutlery repairs.

In the early days initiative was the ingredient for success and Louis Turtle had plenty. Sheffield trained craftsmen were bought in for tool repairs. Firearms, Meccano construction kits, model train and steam engines were a specialty. Louis himself used to dispense, make up and sell spectacles.

Louis Henry Turtle	L.H. Turtle's Delivery Cart	Advertising on Croydon Tram

A catalogue dated 1906 recounts the personal service offered by his sales assistants in what must be one of the country's first DIY centres, described then as a "Hobbies Agency".

Turtles' Catalogue 1906	Hobbies Supplies, and tools for all trades.

In 1964 the Crown Hill Premises were sold and L.H. Turtle Limited once again led the way in introducing full self service at new premises in Park Street, Croydon. At the same time, office and storage premises were obtained in Whitehorse Road, Croydon, replaced some ten years later by a purpose built, modern building constructed on a third of an acre site in nearby Tait Road.

The current shop 6-12 Park Street Croydon