OurHistory

In an age when the friendly and personal family business is fast disappearing, we're proud of the fact that Page & Sons is still very much an independent family concern, established over 200 years ago in 1804. With two centuries of experience behind us we believe that our knowledge and service is virtually unbeatable.

It all began in the year before the Battle of Trafalgar whilst England was fighting the Napoleonic Wars.  At that time Ramsgate was the port from which troops and stores sailed to the Continent. The Duke of Wellington (then Sir Arthur Wellesley) stayed with his Headquarters staff at the London Hotel in Ramsgate (the site now occupied by the HSBC Bank), which was owned by Robert Page and his younger brother Richard. At that time, there was a threat of

invasion by Napoleon and among those caught up in the invasion scare was a grocer named Fisher. He offered his shop on the corner of Harbour Street and Market Place for sale and hastily left the town. The Iron Duke had taken a liking to young Richard, then just 24, and advised him to buy the empty grocer’s shop. Richard took his advice and invested his life savings in the new venture in 1804, establishing a business which has been passed on from father to son for seven generations.

1804

Where it all began

The grocery shop in Harbour Street and Market Place that Richard Page purchased from Fisher in 1804

1850 to1875

The Page Blend

A newspaper advert from the time showing how important Port and Sherry were to Page & Sons, especially the Page's own blend, bottled in the cellars under the Ramsgate shop. Deliveries were based in Thanet or along train lines as far as London, as long as orders were over £2 . From our spirit list you can see Hollands which is Jenever, the juniper flavoured liquor of the Netherlands and Belgium, from which gin evolved. To this day, samples may be seen at any time at our offices.

1890

First motorised van in Ramsgate

The business outgrew the original shop and moved to new premises in Queen Street. The picture shows the front of the first motorised van in Ramsgate as Page & Sons moved away from horse drawn deliveries.

1918 to1940

Between the wars

The business was guided by Stanley Hatch Page, until he handed over to his son, Kenneth Alvis Page, who managed, with great determination, to keep the business running throughout the Second World War. During a period of 2 World Wars and the Great Depression the business continued to grow and developed its wine imports. Page & Sons became a house hold name in Thanet and supported many local community activities. The picture shows a game of football being played on Goodwin Sands at low tide, with the old father Page ready to hand out the drinks. In 1940 the business turned away from being grocers and developed into the Wine, Beer and Spirit merchants that it is today.

1974

Moved to Hopes Lane

In 1974 the business moved into its current location. The purpose built warehouse is on the site of the old Ramsgate airport that closed its doors in 1968 having seen action during the second world war.

2000

The Society of Vintners

We became members of The Society of Vintners, a voluntary buying group with 30 members covering the whole of the UK. This enables us to buy direct from producers all over the world, and supply wines which are exclusive to our Group.

2017

New Logo and Website are born

Page and Sons updated logo brings a fresh look to the company's image with the branding appearing on the new website which is also launched.

2018

Delivery across Kent

Our fleet reaches 6 vans giving us more delivering power to serve customers throughout the Kent area.

2019

Page & Sons releases first Portfolio brochure

Our first portfolio brochure is launched, 'Hand Picked Selection from our Wine Portfolio'. Wine is our passion and has been the core of our business for over 200 years. We ship hand selected wines directly from growers and producers as well as being an invited member of the Society of Vintners who collectively own exclusive wine brands from Europe and the New World and are therefore not available elsewhere.
This hand picked selection forms part of Page & Sons exclusive portfolio and showcases the broad range of wines we can offer.
To view it refer to the post within the journal section of this website.

2019

The Expansion of our Ramsgate Warehouse

With our growing portfolio of wines, beers, ciders, spirits, soft drinks and Kentish produce Page and Sons partners, shown L-R, Jonathan Page 7th generation, Lawrence Page 6th generation and Philip Jones decided it was time to expand the Ramsgate warehouse. The warehouse still situated in Hopes Lane, Ramsgate now covers nos. 47- 51 and has increased Page and Sons ability to serve more customers.