A Traves & Son is a family run business that has a long and rich history stretching back over 100 years.
It must be our traditional values and modern techniques that have ensured we have lasted the test of time. 5 generations have worked in the business, so it’s fair to say we have got the experience required to do a good job.
History
In 1897, Alfred Thompson set up business as a butcher. In those days nearly all villages had a butchers shop with a small abattoir to kill livestock for the shop.
Stock was delivered to the village from the local Market in York and by train to the train station in Skipwith. Stock was then walked by drovers to the abattoir.
In 1939 George Traves took over the business. He had to cope with food rationing during the Second World War until 1954 when rationing ended. His son Alec worked for him in the butchers shop and abattoir until 1968 when George died, passing the business onto him.
Alec and June developed the abattoir and wholesale side of the business supplying other butchers and wholesalers. Delivering locally to shops and Wholesalers in York, Selby, Leeds, Doncaster and Hull, they then progressed to deliveries into Smithfield Market in London.
Two of Alec’s children Joseph and Jane joined the company after leaving school. They were then joined by their partners Antony and Karen.
One of Alec and June’s grandchildren Alex has now joined the family firm.
