24/12/2025
Statement from the Rochester City Centre Forum, on behalf of the Johnstone family:
It is with great sadness that the Rochester City Centre Forum shares the news, on behalf of the Johnstone family, that Archie Johnstone passed away on 23rd December 2025, at the age of 91.
Archie was the longest-serving retailer on Rochester High Street, having traded there continuously since 1951 — a remarkable seventy-four years of service to the former City he loved.
He began his career at Alan G Smith Ltd before undertaking National Service in the RAF. On his return, he rejoined the business, rising to Store Manager and, in 1977, taking ownership himself.
Under Archie’s stewardship, Johnstones Toolshop became a fixture of the High Street — dependable, knowledgeable, and proudly independent. He remained active, and still delivering his customary high standard of customer service in the shop, until very recently.
Around the same time, Archie was instrumental in bringing local traders together to fund and install Rochester’s very first Christmas lights. He also persuaded fellow shopkeepers along the High Street to place stalls outside their premises and dress in Victorian costume. They did — and from that simple but inspired idea grew both the summer Dickens Festival and the winter Dickensian Christmas Festival and Rochester Christmas Market, now recognised as one of the top ten Christmas markets in the country.
It is almost impossible today to imagine Rochester without these traditions.
In 1982, above the toolshop, Peggoty’s Parlour was founded by Archie’s wife, Jean, together with her sister and Archie and Jean’s daughter, Fiona. Archie played a key role in helping shape what the tea room became, recognising the growing importance of tourism to Rochester. Peggoty’s quickly established itself as a beloved stop for visitors and locals alike. Fittingly, today — Christmas Eve — marks Peggoty’s final day of trading, closing after decades of service due to the pressures facing the hospitality sector. Jean predeceased Archie in 2015.
As if running two High Street businesses were not enough, Archie also gave many years of public service as a Magistrate. He was additionally a prominent Rotarian, holding the position of District Governor for many years — further underlining his deep commitment to community service.
Archie’s family have been involved in the business throughout, and his grandson, Bradley Peachey, now runs the firm alongside Archie’s daughter, Fiona — a continuation of a legacy rooted firmly in Rochester.
Archie Johnstone didn’t just trade on Rochester High Street — he helped shape it.
His influence will be felt for generations, from the shops that still open their doors each morning to the Christmas lights that continue to shine every winter.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The Johnstone family have asked that they be given time and space to come to terms with their loss, and we thank the community for their understanding and kindness at this difficult time.
🕯️ Rest in peace, Archie — and thank you.
Many of you will have your own memories of Archie and his businesses over the years. If you’d like to share a story, a photograph, or a few words of remembrance, please do — they will be very welcome.
