Edward Bates was a department store located in Chatham, Kent with a subsidiary Blake & Co based in Maidstone.
In 1869 Edward Bates opened a drapery shop in partnership with a Mr Paine at the age of 18.
[3] Edward II was a campaigner for better working conditions for employees and was co-founder of the Chatham Tradesman Association (now Medway Chambers of Commerce).
The business expanded again in 1969 by buying a department store in Maidstone called Blake & Son.
[2] The business continued to operate until the late 1970s when first Blake & Son was closed in 1978, and in 1979 Edward Bates was sold to Bentalls department store group.