Mays was first established in 1825 by a Mr William May in a small area of Manchester.  It was originally the equivalent of the modern-day department store, selling furniture, ladies and gentswear and even, for a while, musical instruments.  Over the years the Company came to specialise in the Jewellery and Pawnbroking aspects of the business, and has now developed into the largest independent company of its type in the North West of England.

Nowadays only items of gold jewellery are taken as security for loans in the Pledge Department, but in times past all manner of things were taken.  It was a common occurrence for the lady of the house to bring in "hubby's" best suit and shoes on a Monday morning, taking them out again on Friday so he could go out at the weekend!

Things are different now of course, and the company prides itself on having the most up-to-date security systems installed to safeguard our customers property.