Historic Maldon: Memories of Buntings butchers – a High Street icon for 140 years

By Ben Shahrabi 25th Jul 2023

Local News by Ben Shahrabi 25th Jul 2023

Smith's of Essex is one of two butchers' shops remaining in Maldon High Street, replacing Buntings of Maldon when the owners shut up shop after 140 years. Maldon Nub News looks back at the history of the iconic local premises.

Buntings butchers' shop began trading in 1882. It was opened by Clarke William Bunting, a Maldon town councillor and no stranger to controversy.

According to The Maldonians, by local author and musician David Hughes, C.W. Bunting was fined for selling 'bad pork' in the summer of 1900.

He immediately sent a letter of resignation to the Mayor, John Charles Float, enclosing a fee of one shilling.

"It is, of course, my intention to leave the town at the earliest I can arrange," he wrote.

However, C.W. Bunting withdrew his resignation shortly afterwards. It is not known whether he got his shilling back.

Known locally for his unique talent for mimicking "a yankee soldier", one of the most amusing stories regarding C.W. Bunting is an extract from the Maldon Express in September 1902.

It states: "Clarke William Bunting, of High-street, who did not appear, was summoned for having in his possession, in use for trade, an unjust spring balance. Inspector Laver said the balance was a quarter pound against the purchaser.

"On witness seizing the balance, defendant complained because he wanted it for the next day. [Laughter]"

Buntings of Maldon can be spotted between Wenlocks and Wallis the Chemist in this photo of Maldon High Street, taken in the 1960s. (Credit: Herbert Springett)

By 1906, C.W. Bunting had married a Burnham girl, Mary Ann (née Christmas). They had at least six children, including Albert Bunting, whose name adorned the shop's sign for a century.

Albert Bunting served in the Royal Engineers and the Labour Corps from 1916, during the First World War. Aged 31, he returned home and took over from his father, who died in 1927.

Albert died in 1942, although his wife Winifred passed away much more recently, in 1985.

Throughout the last century and into the 21st century, Buntings remained an iconic and much cherished local business.

In 1993, Stuart Meddemmen took charge of the shop. Sadly, after three decades of loyal service, stress forced him to close it in July 2022.

In September 2022, Buntings reopened as 'Smiths of Essex'. The premises had been taken over by Maldon man Aiden Smith, who grew up working at a Boreham butcher's shop owned by his grandfather.

Smiths continues to trade today, with deliveries available throughout the Maldon District.