webbs history

Herbert Webb started this family run business in 1936, with a paraffin round, in and around the Crickhowell, Abergavenny and Brynmawr area. He borrowed £10 from his mother to get himself started, paid her back after the first week and the business has just grown from strength to strength. Mr Webb very often jokingly said ‘if he had had a puncture in the first few weeks he was in business he would have gone bankrupt’. The business had an enforced interval when Herbert had to serve his National Service during the war. When he returned, business was back to normal, his wife Dulcie, and brother-in-law Garnett, were busy running the little hardware shop in Crickhowell, while he was out in all weathers selling paraffin, brushes, candles, soap, and all sorts of household items.

Herbert and Dulcie had by now had three sons, and during the 1960’s, John and Richard were growing up and starting to help their father, when they left school the business grew dramatically. John started laying flooring, carpets, while Richard took over from his father on the van. Very solid foundations were being laid, for what is now a very well-respected and successful family business. The late 1970's saw family involvement grow further when Herberts youngest son Michael also joined his father and brothers.

Unfortunately, the early nineties were not very kind to Herbert as he lost both Garnett and Dulcie in quick succession, they were not to see the shop as it stands today. The acquirement of the Cambrian Arms in Crickhowell, gave the business a new direction, bringing the success with it, that such an investment thoroughly deserves. Richard's dream of becoming a furniture retailer was to become true. Sheer determination, good management and old-fashioned hard work turned this dream into reality.

Herbert could never have dreamed that his paraffin round could have turned into what it is today, sadly, he passed away peacefully in April 1999, he was not to see the new millennium. Crickhowell must be proud to have the name H.J. Webb, as being, one of its most respected and well-loved citizens.

The new millennium has however seen a number of changes, Peter, Herberts eldest grandson became the first of the third generation to enter the business and this was soon followed by the opening of a new showroom which is already proving to be a big hit.

Young Harry keeps the name going into the 21st Century, and if he grows up to be half the man his grandfather was, Crickhowell will be proud of him as well.