On researching the history of flagmaking, we came across the names Benjamin and Thomas Edgington. Listed as a rope, tent sail, and flagmakers, the industry was founded in 1805. Originally setting up the business as a partnership, the brothers were to split in 1823. John Edgington, Thomas’s son, took over his father’s business, moving to the Old Kent Road in 1832, and continued to trade until 1967 when the camping firm Blacks took over. The successors of the Edgington family eventually merged with Blacks in 1976 to become Black and Edgington. Although Blacks were to dominate the camping and outdoor industries, the firm was still listed as selling flags. One news article stated that Black and Edgington had made flags since the 18th century.
Eventually, the name Edgington was dropped with Blacks now being the sole business name. However, Blacks went into administration in 2012 and was bought by JD Sports and Fashion.
It has been a long journey from sail-making, and chandlery suppliers, to canvas, flags, sportswear, and fashion.