A Story Built Over Time

In 1762, Milsom Street was constructed after the Milsom family, who leased much of the land north of the city wall, were finally granted permission from the council to build on the land. The houses were built to a standard design, the architect of which is unknown, but the Bath builder and architect Thomas Jelly is a likely candidate. This carefully planned street would later become one of Bath’s most desirable addresses and the future home of Jolly’s

By 1810, James Jolly, pictured, who was already running a drapery store in Winchester opened a linen drapery store in the coastal town of Deal, Kent. Specialising in quality linens and household textiles, the store quickly gained a reputation for excellent customer service and dependable products. By the early 1820s, he opened a store in Margate, which was run by his son, Thomas. Their modest venture marked the beginning of what would later grow into a respected and enduring retail legacy, laying the foundation for the Jolly’s.

In 1823, James Jolly opens a seasonal shop in Bath, entrusting its management to his son, Thomas Jolly. The shop, known as the Parisian Depot, quickly gained popularity among the city’s residents and visitors alike. By 1829, it became a permanent fixture in Bath at 20 Old Bond Street, laying the foundations for what would become the city’s most enduring department store. This marked the beginning of Jolly’s family long-standing legacy in Bath’s commercial and cultural life. 

As Jolly’s experienced significant growth and success, it outgrew its original premises and in 1831 relocated to a larger and more prominent location at No. 12 Milsom Street. By 1836, they had also taken over No. 11 and added a new shop front. This move not only reflected the store’s increasing popularity but also cemented its presence on one of Bath’s most fashionable and important streets. 

Thomas Jolly, having served on the Bath council for some years, was elected Mayor at the age of 58. His goal was to improve the city and in 1855 was instrumental in revitalising, modernising and extending the pump rooms and baths for the public. His civic work mirrored the values of responsibility and progress that underpinned the family business. 

In 1911, Jolly’s, already a well-established presence on Milsom Street, took a significant step in its growth by expanding into No. 9 Milsom Street. This expansions enabled Jolly’s to broaden its range of goods and services, offering customers an extensive and a more luxurious shopping experience.  

Morleys Stores, as we know it today, was established in London with the purchase of Morleys Brixton. A prominent four-storey department store located in the heart of South London’s vibrant Brixton, situated just across the road from the iconic Electric Avenue. Morleys Brixton quickly became a cornerstone of the local retail scene, serving both the dynamic local community and visitors from further afield, offering a wide range of goods, from clothing to homewares.  

Jolly’s was taken over by House of Fraser in 1971, integrating the iconic department store into its then growing portfolio. An earlier absorption into Dingles had brought the expansion of Jolly’s into the adjacent properties at No. 7 and 8 Milsom Street, previously Cavendish House, further increasing the retail space and creating a larger, more modern shopping environment. This phase marked another evolution in Jolly’s story while keeping it firmly rooted on Milsom Street.

In 2014, House of Fraser, the parent company of Jolly’s, undertook a major refurbishment of the historic Bath store. This extensive renovation project was designed to modernise the shopping experience while carefully preserving the character and heritage of the iconic building. The refurbishment introduced updated interiors, improved layouts, and new premium brand offerings, enhancing both the look and feel of the store and blending contemporary design with Jolly’s longstanding tradition of quality and service. 

By 2018, Morleys Stores had significantly expanded its presence in the UK retail market, growing its portfolio to eight department stores. This growth included establishments such as Elys in Wimbledon, Camp Hopson in Newbury and Pearsons in Enfield. Each store brought with it a distinct identity and loyal customer base, contributing to Morleys’ reputation for preserving the heritage of traditional department stores while modernising them to meet the demands of our customers and communities. 

Following the announcement of Jolly’s closure in December 2024, Morleys Stores revealed in March 2025 their plans to take over the site after extensive restoration and repair work carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council. Morleys Stores will preserve the iconic Jolly’s name in Bath, restoring the store to its former glory and ensuring that the Jolly’s legacy lives on for generations of Bathonians to come. 

In 2026, Jolly’s Bath will reopen following extensive restoration and repair works. Under the stewardship of Morleys Stores, the historic building will once again welcome shoppers to Milsom Street - ushering Jolly’s into a new era while honouring the heritage that defines it.