Author Archives: buildingourpast

A Spotter’s Guide to Historic Tobacconists’ Shops

Posted on December 17, 2016 by buildingourpast

Window Shelves Traditional tobacconists sold combinations of snuff, tobacco, cigars, cigarettes and pipes, often alongside confectionery, stationery, newspapers, or even a barber’s shop. They signalled their presence on the high street in different ways. For example, bottles, jars and canisters … Continue reading →

Posted in Spotter's Guides | 4 Comments

Dairy Chain: The Story of the Meadow Dairy Company

Posted on December 8, 2016 by buildingourpast

Previous posts have discussed the provisions shops of Lipton’s, David Greig, Home & Colonial Stores and the Maypole Dairy Co. All these businesses, though long gone, had distinctive shopfronts which can still – occasionally – be recognised on modern high … Continue reading →

Posted in Grocers, Provision Dealers and Dairies | 10 Comments

A Spotter’s Guide to Historic Butchers’ Shops

Posted on November 28, 2016 by buildingourpast
Posted in Butchers' Shops, Spotter's Guides | 2 Comments

Cheap Meat for the Masses: Multiple Butchers in Britain

Posted on November 7, 2016 by buildingourpast

The importation of meat from North America to Britain started in the 1860s and accelerated in the 1870s as refrigeration improved. One of the leading shippers was Timothy C. Eastman (1821-93) who owned a huge abattoir, or ‘killing yard’, in … Continue reading →

Posted in Butchers' Shops | 15 Comments

The National Fur Company

Posted on October 1, 2016 by buildingourpast

The National Fur Company was established by Arron (or Arnold) Barder (1859-1914) in Sloane Street, London. In the early 20th century it moved to 193 Brompton Road, eventually expanding to fill 191-195, a site now occupied by Blom Bank. Barder’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion and Clothing | 21 Comments

The Legacy of Home & Colonial Stores: Part 2

Posted on September 25, 2016 by buildingourpast

These examples of Home & Colonial stores were spotted after  The Legacy of Home & Colonial Stores was first posted. If additional shops come to light, they will be posted here. Contributions happily accepted! Eastbourne I have no documentary evidence for this one … Continue reading →

Posted in Grocers, Provision Dealers and Dairies, Home & Colonial Stores | 3 Comments

Cash & Co. and Turner Shoes

Posted on September 24, 2016 by buildingourpast

In its early years, the key to successful multiple retailing was selling goods for cash, not credit. Bearing this in mind it is not surprising to find, in the 1870s and 1880s, that several different companies opened chains of boot and … Continue reading →

Posted in Shoe Shops | 1 Comment

Joseph Frisby Ltd

Posted on September 10, 2016 by buildingourpast

Frisby’s was one of the earliest chains of boot and shoe shops to develop in England. The founder, Joseph Frisby (1848-1902), was the son of an agricultural worker from Frisby on the Wreake in Leicestershire. In 1871 he married Harriett Rowley, … Continue reading →

Posted in Shoe Shops | 63 Comments

The Legacy of David Greig: Part 2

Posted on September 6, 2016 by buildingourpast

Several former David Greig shops – or fragments of shops –  have come to my attention since publishing the story of this extensive London-based provisions chain in The Legacy of David Greig. Here is a selection. Weston-Super-Mare This small shop – now ‘The … Continue reading →

Posted in David Greig, Grocers, Provision Dealers and Dairies | 2 Comments

Manfield & Sons: Shoes of Bespoke Character

Posted on September 4, 2016 by buildingourpast

Moses Philip Manfield (1819-99; better known as Sir Philip Manfield MP), was born in Bristol, the son of a shoemaker. He began his working life as a boot closer, stitching uppers to soles. In 1843 he arrived in Northampton, the heart of … Continue reading →

Posted in Shoe Shops | 8 Comments