AUGUST 2024

Smithards Bakery

No 1 The Green (formally 1 North Street)

Smithards Bakery is a traditional 19^th Century Edwardian shop with bow windows plus a traditional HOVIS sign and is a listed Grade 2 building. This iconic building has been established as a bakery in Ashby de la Zouch since 1812 and been providing craft bakery products to local people for over 200 years.

Smithards Bakery Timeline

1812 - Bakers Established

1841 – Mary Baggott - Bakers

1862 – Austin Thomas – Baker and Flour Dealer

1881, 1895, 1900 – Thomas Smithard – Baker (possibly father of Jack and Dick Smithard)

1904, 1908 – Mrs Sarah Smithard - Baker (Possibly wife of Thomas Smithard) 

1916 – John Alfred - Baker (could be Jack Smithard)

1936 – Smithard Brothers - Bakers (Jack and Dick Smithard). Their sons Robert and David ran the business until it was taken over by Julia’s Bakery in 1999 (but still operating under the Smithards brand).



In 1999 Julia’s Bakery acquired the local famous Smithards Bakery and continues to produce homemade bread, cakes and preserves for retail and catering customers. They are an award winning family craft bakery (based on the Ivanhoe Industrial Estate) with a rich heritage using true craft methods and traditional recipes finessed over many years.

The black and white photo was taken in early 1900s and is probably of Dick and Jack Smithard.

Some older residents will remember Dick Smithard delivering fresh bread to their homes which was still warm, crusty and tasted delicious!! Ashby Civic Society Chairman, Ken Ward, remembers eating Smithards crusty cobs in the delightful Saracen’s Head at Heath Lane, 20 years ago!