The name Thomas Ryde goes back to the 1800's when the business was situated at Bridge Foot, Belper Lane. Thomas's son William Leonard continued the business and moved premises to High Street.

In the 1900's William Leonard's nephew, Bill, took over the business and was the last member of the Ryde family to be associated with the business. In 1991 the business was relocated to its present site at 35 Bridge Street, Belper.