Wells now and then
History of our shops and pubs in Wells, Somerset
About
The initial research was done in 2008 and I had it on a website (with photos for each building) but unfortunately this site was hacked and I lost almost everything. I managed to keep some of the information and have used my old source documents to fill in the bits I had lost.
One of the main problems I had was that, over the years, the streets and configuration of the buildings have changed. I have tried to place each historic building as close as possible within the current building configuration.
I would love to be able to virtually walk up the high street in eg 1859 .... I have the information and some photographs but it is WAY beyond my skills (and time) to do this.
Information collected from places such as censuses, tourist guide adverts, town records, Pigot's Directory, Kelly Directory, records at Taunton Library, records at Bishops Palace and locals knowledge. All of the source information was on the previous website but were lost when the site was hacked.
Apologies for any errors. Please let me know if anything needs to be changed, deleted or added by messaging me on Face book.
I hope you enjoy.
Nikki Vine
Market Place
1 Market Place and 2 Sadler Street
These buildings are now occupied by HSBC. In 1881, there were 2 separate buildings. By 1914 the buildings were joined and E. Tucker, millinery, straws, blouses, overalls, washing hats and bonnets (from advert) was in the combined buildings. Buildings Combined:
1960 and 1970 Midland Bank
1935 Midland Bank, Reginald MacDonald Stewart
1923 Reakes 1914 Edith Tucker, draper and milliner
1914 and 1919 Henry William Reakes, ironmonger
1910 C. Tucker, millinery, straws, blouses, overalls, washing hats and bonnets (from advert)
1903 Tuckers, hosiery, corsets, gloves etc (from advert)
Need to work out which building ..:
1891 Henry Reakes (“Tinny” Reakes) hardware monger. His store “Reakes” was there until at least
1881 William Gooch, a draper from Peterborough was in 2 Sadler Street. Charles Tucker was in this building by 1891 and described himself as a draper. He started a store called “Charles Tucker’s Wells General Drapery Bazaar” which was still on this site in 1923
1881 E A Crow umbrella and parasol maker (from advert)
1881 Clara A. Crowe Umbrella Maker & Tobacconist.
1871 Jane Hay, “Berlin and Fancy Repository”
1874/1875 Mrs Jane Hay, fancy repository
1871 Jane Hay was a “Berlin and Fancy Repository”
2 Market Place and 1 High Street
2009 – Anokhi and Anseres Place This is a bit confusing because The Red Lion definitely was in this building but it is sometimes 1 High Street and sometimes 2 Market Place on the various records.
2004 Aubergines ?
1986 The Market Place Hotel was owned by the managers of the Swan Hotel
1939 Mrs A Thomas ran the Red Lion The Chapman’s owned The Crown post war and also managed The Red Lion hotel next door (latterly Market Place Hotel) and sold some of the land behind The Crown to the Red Lion – there used to be a squash court behind there
1914 and 1919 Frederick Barker ran the Red Lion Temperance Hotel and the Red Lion Club and reading room
1901 Carrie Dumbleton manager
1891 The Temperance Hotel with William Roadhouse as manager
1871 and 1881 Robert Williams
1861 Henry Cole
1851 Alice Bath had taken over
1822 George Wilkins was innkeeper
. . Also at this address are Laphorn Hatmakers in 1861 to 1881 and, in 1939, a café run by Irene Field.
3 Market Place
2008 CC Clothing downstairs and Crofters Tearooms upstairs
1960? Illusions in Paint
1938 Mac Fisheries
1935 Mac Fisheries
1923 Mac Fisheries
1914 and 1919 Dyer Brothers tailor’s shop (Basil Bernard is tailor)
1907 Basil Bernard Dyer, Tailor
1901 Henry Lavington 1891 Basil Dyer, Master Tailor
1881 Elizabeth Marshalsen a draper from Shepton Mallet
1871 Charles Habgood, Chemist
8 Market Place, 6 Market Place and 4 Market Place
No 8 Market Place Crown at Wells, Penn Bar No’s 6 and 4 Market Place Crown at Wells. No 8 Market Place. At some point, the Penn Bar was two buildings; one a bar for The Crown coaching inn. The numbers seemed to have been interchanged so it is difficult to pinpoint a building all the time.
4 and 6 Market Place
The Crown is believed to have been built in 1450 originally as houses, commissioned by Bishop Beckynton. Later on the Penn Bar was divided into two buildings providing a bar for the Crown coaching inn and a separate inn called the Royal Oak. In 1695, from an upper window at The Crown, William Penn, a Quaker who later gave his name to Pennsylvania and the Penn bar, preached to a crowd of around 2 to 3 thousand in the Market Place.
4 Market Place
2008 Not sure which building is which! It seems to have been a private residence in 1881 (Henry Oxley, 2nd Clerk in probate court) and 1901 (Oliver Gooding, bootmaker). 1903 (Ordinance Survey) it was “owned” by William J Jones, dentist. 1974 Old Priory Café 1914 John Davys, draper and Edmund Pope Wilkins, confectioner.
8 Market Place
2008 Crown at Wells, Penn Bar
1901 Thomas Henry Price (born in Wells 1879) Tom Price went on to manage the Crown after leaving the Royal Oak
1891 George Ham, Royal Oak
1881 Henry Blacker, Royal Oak
1871 Sarah North, Royal Oak
1861 George Brooks, Royal Oak
1851 Thomas Perry, Royal Oak
1822 James Raines, Royal Oak
1784 Elias Hole, Royal Oak
Before 1830 a barber, hairdresser and perukmaker (wig maker) lived here
9 Market Place
1965 Traveller’s joy travel agent
1963 Wells Gallery
1960 Debonair Travel and Holidays and Traveller’s joy
1935 Dawkes and Partridge photographers
1919 Sarah Radnedge, stationer
1914 Arthur Shear Radnedge, house furnisher.
1901 Arthur Radnedge, House Furniture and Upholsterer
1885 Radnedge
1881 John Thomas Serel, grocer
1871 Thomas Serel, accountant (he was in New Street before this date and he had moved to number 5 by 1881)
10 Market Place
2009 Grape & Bean 1939 HC Phillips, photographer
1935 Herbert Charles Phillips, photographer
1919 Herbert Charles Phillips (son of Thomas William Phillips) had taken over
1871 T W Phillips had taken over the shop. He was still here in 1914
1861 Maria Budge, now a widow, was living here. She had an apprentice; a 19 year old Thomas William Phillips
1855 John Budge, a photographer and cabinet maker
11 Market Place
2008 Conservative Club
1914 and 1919 Wells District Constitutional Club
1902 Constitutional Club
1891 Charles Wood, tailor
1871 and 1881 Susan M. Symes, dressmaker and milliner from America
13 Market Place
2008 Bernard G House
1960 Anchor Restaurant, GE Wilkins
1950 “The Anchor Inn” then later “The Anchor Restaurant”.
1939 Anchor Inn James Alfred Stollery
1935 Anchor Hotel James Alfred Stollery 1923 Stanley Taylor
1920 An indenture for the lease of the Anchor Inn at 13 Market Place, Wells, Somerset, between Alma James Clare and the Oakhill Brewery Co. Dated 23rd day of April 1920.
1914 and 1919 George Pymm, Anchor Public House
1891 their daughter Ann Porter is retailer of wines of spirits.
1881 his wife Ann Montgomery Porter Wine and spirit retailer.
By 1851 Anchor Inn
1841 to 1871 Benjamin Porter, from Norwich
15 Market Place
2008 Maddie Brown
No’s 15 to 23 Market Place – John Henry Holloway and Alma James Clare had shops in these premises. It appears sometimes they were separate and sometimes they are combined. In 1803 John Holloway lived in Cathedral Green and Alma Clare in Chamberlain Street. In 1891 one or the other occupied 17 to 23 Market Place (from advert) By 1914 Clares (HA Clare), general draper, furnisher and cheese factor occupied all four addresses. Clare’s was taken over by Black & Edginton plc in 1974 (tent hire and camping equipment group) “Underdown’s moved out or closed down in the 1970s. About 1975 this shop was for a few years run by Roy Jennings as a greengrocers – I had my first Saturday job there.” Andy Foyle
1969 JP Underdown (from advert) outfitter
1936 JP Underdown and Co. Ltd., outfitters for men and women (from advert)
1935 JP Underdown and Co. Ltd., outfitter
1930’s JP Underdown “The ONLY Complete Men’s and Boy’s Tailor and Outfitter in the City. Ladies Tailoring a speciality”
1914 and 1919 Clares (HA Clare), general draper, furnisher and cheese factor.
1902 Holloway and Clare
1881 and 1891 Emma Savage also a China and Glass Dealer
1871 George Savage, China and Glass Dealer from Chatham Kent
17 Market Place and 19 Market Place
2008 No. 17 Kitchenmonger and No 19 Present Co.
1980’s Gregory’s Radios Ltd..
1956 Gregorys Radio Ltd. (from advert)
1939 Pither and Son Ltd, house furnishers, estate and land agents etc
1935 Pither and Son Ltd, house furnishers
1914 and 1919 Clares (HA Clare), general draper, furnisher and cheese factor. Nb, Clares had a factory in The Carltons in 1922. Now demolished and housing built.
1895 John Henry Holloway, grocer and draper (numbers 17, 19, 21 and 23)
1881 John Henry Holloway had taken over. He was a Draper & Grocer from Church Knowle in Dorset.
1871 John Wilmott a draper. No 17
1960 ME Gregory’s Radios Ltd No 19
1935 Cyril H Gregory, wireless engineer
1960 ME Gamble, dress fabric salon
21 Market Place
2008 Bekynton Brasserie
Late 1960’s or early 1970’s Edward Nowell’s antique shop “My family took over the Bekynton Cafe probably in the 1940s and still had it in the mid-1960s. I believe we sold it in late 1960s- early 1970s. For the whole time we had it, it was run as a cafe. As and when I get more details I’ll update here.” – Thanks Richard (and Andy) for updating this May 1943 Bekynton Café (T Reynolds)
1935 Beckington Café (Miss I Field)
1932 Beckington Café.
1914 and 1919 Clares (HA Clare), general draper, furnisher and cheese factor
1895 John Henry Holloway, grocer and draper (numbers 17, 19, 21 and 23)
1881 John Henry Holloway
23 Market Place
2004 Wells Violins
2001 it was occupied by Wicks and Son.
1960 Edward Nowell’s jeweller
1960 County Library
1914 and 1919 Clares (HA Clare), general draper, furnisher and cheese factor
1895 John Henry Holloway, grocer and draper (numbers 17, 19, 21 and 23)
1881 John Henry Holloway
1871 John Bowell, tailor
25 Market Place
2008 Studio Psalm
1980’s King Miles and Co., auctioneers.
“The first floor above King Miles shop was Wells Library in the 1960s – an impossibly cramped place, vacated for the new Union Street building in 1968” Andy Foyle
1963 King Miles and Co., auctioneers
1960 Leeds Permanent Building Society
1939 Norton and Wilson, solicitors
1935 Norton and Wilson, Colin McClure Wilson
1935 L Stewart-Smith, architect and surveyor
1935 Blinman and Miles, auctioneers, valuers and estate agents
1930’s Blinman and Miles, auctioneers, valuers and estate agents
1914 and 1919 Norton and Wilson, solicitors AND Bowring and W.H. Palmer and son, surveyors, land house and estate agents
1903 R. Bowring, auctioneer (from advert)
1895 Robert Bowring, estate agent, surveyor and timber valuer
1891 and 1901 Walter Barry, gardener
1881 Elizabeth Oxley, Dressmaker from Wells
1871 John Bowell, tailor
High street
3 High Street
2008 Edinburgh Woollen Mill
1936 John Knight and sons, ironmonger
1919 John N Knight, ironmonger
1914 Knight J and son, ironmonger
1903 John N Knight, ironmonger
1901 Charlotte Knight, living on own means
1881 John T Knight, ironmonger and tinman
1871 John Knight, ironmonger
Sign “Katherine Wheel Inn 1509-1750”
5 High Street
2008 Cadeaux and Co
1927 Clare and son selling “modern” typewriters (from advert)
1919 Bath and Wells diocesan Gazette AND Sutton and co parcel carriers
1918 D Woodhams, printer (from advert)
1914 Woodham Downhams, bookseller and printer
1903 Parcel carriers to London Sutton and co
1901 Downham Woodham, printer
1891 Ernest Jackson, bookseller and printer from Colchester
1881 Ernest Jackson, bookseller and printer
1871 Thomas Green, bookseller and printer
At some point – Heritage bookshop, Somerset Stationery co., Clare and son.
7 High Street
2008 National Westminster Bank
1919 London County Westminster and Parr’s Bank Ltd.
1914 Parr’s Bank (Thomas T Hayward)
1903 Langport and Mid Somerset Building Society (Robert Isgar) and Stuckey’s Bank (Major Boyle)
1901 Stuckey’s Bank (Robert Isgar)
1891 Stuckey’s Bank (Robert Isgar)
1881 Stuckey’s Bank (Robert Isgar)
1871 Stuckey’s Bank (Edward Harte)
1851 George Inn, Hester Bird, innkeeper
? to 1855 George Inn
14th century Crystesham Inn, first opened in 1388
9 High Street
2008 Somerfield
1980’s Gateway (before International Stores)
1980’s Clare and son
1919 Woodham Dowman, bookseller and printer AND Hugh M Gregory, artificial tooth maker
1914 Woodham Dowman, bookseller and printer AND Hugh M Gregory, artificial tooth maker
1903 Wells Journal Office also “Atkins Stationer” (from advert)
1901 James Mores Atkins, newspaper proprietor
1891 James Mores Atkins, newspaper proprietor “Atkins Stationer” (from advert)
1881 Mary A Noad, Agent Christian Knowledge Dept.
1871 Charles Noad, accountant
11 High Street
2008 Somerfield
1980’s Gateway (before International Stores)
1980’s Clare and son
1919 Wickenden’s Restaurant (F.R. Cox)
1914 Wickenden’s Restaurant (F.R. Cox)
1891 William H Wickenden, cook and confectioner from Taunton
1881 William H Wickenden, cook and confectioner from Taunton
1871 Benjamin Wickenden, cook and confectioner and baker
1840 Kathryn Wheel Inn (building numbers probably changed)
Sometime, Maynards sweet shop?
13 High Street
2008 Somerfield and Pethericks and Gillard
1956 Madame Reas women’s clothes (from advert)
1920’s Brush factory
1919 Wickenden’s Restaurant (F.R. Cox)
1914 Wickenden’s Restaurant (F.R. Cox)
1090 Walter Parsons, master baker
1891 Henry Cox, baker
1881 Henry Cox, corn dealer and baker from Stalbridge Dorset
1871 Michael Westcott, brush manufacturer
15 High Street
2008 Closed
1963 (advert) and 1980’s Tudor Shop of Wells
1914 Drayton and Son, musical instrument dealers
1901 William Drayton, Vicar choral and dealer in unusual instruments
1881 Elizabeth Oxley, poulterer
1871 Margaret Backhouse, bookseller and stationer
17 High Street
2008 Boots
1919 John Edmund Pop Wilkins, confectioner
1914 William Pocock, saddler
1901 William Pocock, saddle maker
1891 John Crump, saddler
1881 John Kingsbury, boot manufacturer from Bristol
1871 George Scotten, saddler and harness maker
19 High Street
2008 Boots
1956 Madame Reas women’s clothes (from advert) also at no 13???
? Liptons
1914 Lennards Ltd, boot and shoe manufacturers
1903 John Kingsbury, shoemaker
1901 John Kingsbury, boot manufacturer
1891 John Kingsbury, boot manufacturer
1881 John CH Masters, watch maker from Chesterblade
21 High Street
2008 Boots
1919 Walter John Mills, tobacconist
1914 Walter John Mills, tobacconist
1901 John W Talbot, grocer and tobacconist
1891 John W Talbot, grocer and tobacconist
1881 John W Talbot, retail grocer from Sherborne
1871 George Slade, furniture dealer
1836 Draft conveyancing of the Angel Inn – not sure which of Boots buildings this was located
23 High Street
2008 – Barnado’s
1919 Matthew Joy, watchmaker
1914 Matthew Joy, watchmaker
1901 William Rowse, watchmaker and jeweller
1891 Charles E Foxwell, shoemaker
1881 Charles E Foxwell, shoemaker
1871 Charles Foxwell, boot and shoemaker
25 High Street
2008 M & Co
? Crease Brothers public house and off licence (from Alan Southwood)
1919 Crease Brothers, spirit merchants
1914 Crease Brothers, spirit merchants
1891 E Crease, tea and provision merchant (from advert)
1871 William Berryman, wine and spirit merchant
27 High Street
2008 M & Co
1969 Peter Lloyd of Mayfair, hair stylist
1963 Wookey’s men’s and women’s clothes (advert)
1956 Edward Dyer photographs
1919 Dawkes and Partridge, photographers AND John William Normansell, chemist
1914 Dawkes and Partridge, photographers AND John William Normansell, chemist
1903 Richard James Manning, pharmaceutical chemist
1901 Lucy Manning, chemist, pharmacist and dentist
1891 Richard J Manning, pharmacist and dentist
1881 Richard J Manning, chemist, pharmacist and dentist form Cowes Isle of Wight
1871 William Berryman, wine and spirit merchant
1607 possible location for the Bell (inn)
29 High Street
2008 Johnson’s Dry Cleaners
1914 and 1919 John Davys, Draper
1891 William Morrison, Vicar choral and merchant tailor
1881 James M Atkins, newspaper proprietor and stationer
1871 Albina Maynard, Fancy goods
Pre 1891 The Wells Restaurant and Sweet Manufacturer (moved to 44 High Street)
1607 possible location for Meade’s House (inn)
31 High Street
2008 QS
1980’s Timothy Whites
1914 and 1919 John Davys, Draper
1901 John Davys, draper and outfitter
1891 Edith Baker, draper
1881 George Lawrence, postmaster
1871 George Lawrence, post office, postmaster
33 High Street
2008 Superdrug
1960 Hepworths
1956 Hepworths, men’s clothes (from advert)
1936 Lewis Ironmongers (from advert)
1914 and 1919 Edwin Halliday, antique furniture dealer
1891 and 1901 Edwin Halliday, carver and furniture manufacturer
1881 Edwin Halliday, carver in wood and stone
1871 Albion Andrews, magistrate and leather merchant
35 High Street
2008 New Look
2006 Sports shop, can’t remember the name
1930’s Co-op
1927 Hepworths boys clothing (from advert address given as Somerset House, 35 High Street)
1914 and 1919 Albert Halliday and son, antique furniture dealer
1901 William Halliday, wood and stone carver (work exhibited at Great Exhibition)
1891 Albert Halliday, wood carver
1886 to 1930’s Halliday Antique Shop
1881 William Halliday, wood carver from Heytesbury, Wiltshire
1871 Thomas Boyce/Brice, Somerset Hotel victualler
1861 James Brice, Somerset Hotel victualler
1851 Edward Mead, Inkeeper Somerset Hotel
1840 Edward Meade, Somerset Hotel
1404 and 1607 Christopher Inn/New Inn
1382 Novum Hospitium
37 High Street
2008 Carphone Warehouse
1914 and 1919 Frederick Crandon, butcher
1903 Mary Boulton, butcher
1901 James Crandon, butcher
1881 and 1891 Mary Boulton, beef butcher
1871 John Barnard, butcher
39 High Street
2008 Greggs
1927 Lewis Brother Butchers
1919 Lewis and Co. (Charles Lewis), butcher
1903 and1914 Lewis and Co., butcher
1901 Reginald Lewis, bacon curer
1891 Charles Lewis, bacon curer
1871 and 1881 Charles Lewis, pork butcher
41 High Street
2008 Woolworths
1936 WH Heath, eye services
? Barnes and co (John Aubrey Whiting is manager)
1914 and 1919 Barnes and son, Ironmongers, fam machinery and cycle agents
1903 Barnes and son, Ironmongers
1901 Hannah Barnes, (son is ironmonger)
1881 and 1891 John Barnes, Master ironmonger
1871 Jacob Barnes, ironmonger
43 High Street
2008 Bastins closed, soon to be Vision Express
2007 Fruit and Veg shop
1955 Frisby’s Shoes
1919 Joseph Frisby Ltd, boot warehouse
1914 William Parker, butcher
1901 William Parker, master butcher
1891 William Parker, purveyor
1881 Jonas Lucas Parker, master butcher
1871 Jonas Parker, butcher
1607 possible location for Hole’s House (inn)
45 High Street
2008 WH Smith
? Co-op
1963 Frisby’s shoe shop (advert)
1914 Joseph Frisby Ltd, boot warehouse
1903 Hannibal Bond, general draper and outfitter
1901 Robert Tranter, boot salesman
1891 William H Jenkins, inspector of nuisances
1881 William H Jenkins, currier
1871 Jane Clarke, fancy shop
47 High Street
2008 WH Smith
1980’s Co-op
1891 to 1919 Harry Holloway, hairdresser
1881 Eliza Newport, no occupation
1871 John Higgins, wheelwright
49 High Street
2008 S & A Linens
1960’s Herrings China shop and The Gay Shop, china and glass
1919 Robert Herring, china warehouse
1914 Robert Herring, china warehouse and ironmonger
1881 to 1901 Robert Herring, china glues and machine merchant and manufacturer in tin
1871 Robert Herring, fruiterer from Barnstaple
51 High Street
2008 Palmer Snell
1919 Arthur Handel Taylor, butcher
1914 William Charles, butcher
1881 to 1901 William Charles, master butcher
1871 John Wallin, veterinary surgeon
53 High Street
2008 YMCA
2004 Curry’s
? S Tyte grocer bought by Mr Padfield for daughter and son in law Eric and Effie Mogg. The inherited by Ray Mogg
1914 and 1919 Samuel Tyte, grocer
1901 Samuel Tyte, general seedsman and grocer
1891 Samuel Tyte, grocer
1881 Elizabeth Tyte, grocer (wife of Samuel with son Samuel)
1871 Samuel Tyte, grocer
? to 1793 The Cock
1793 to approx. 1840 King’s Arms
Before 1712 butcher
55 High Street
2008 Jeanes Holland Burnell
1920 Madame Rea’s ladieswear
1914 Samuel Tyte, grocer
1871 Joseph Hayward, china dealer
Until mid 19th century Jacob’s Well was in front of this shop
57 High Street
2008 F. Griffiths and Sons, butcher
1914 and 1919 George Ashton Porch, butcher
1901 Gilbert Vincent, butcher and farmer
1881 and 1891 Thomas Nurse, butcher
1871 Charles Fowler, butcher
59 High Street
2008 Oxfam
1970 WH Smith (from advert)
1914 and 1919 WH Smith and son, booksellers
1901 Red Ox Inn, William Dann, Innkeeper
1891 Frederick W Chappell, butcher and Red Ox Inn
1881 Sarah Hutton, Innkeeper Red Ox Inn
1871 James Hutton, innkeeper Red Cow Inn
1861 James Hutton, innkeeper Red Ox Inn
61 High Street
2008 Oxfam
1970 WH Smith (from advert)
1914 and 1919 WH Smith and son, booksellers
1901 Red Ox Inn, William Dann, Innkeeper
1881 John Morgan, sweep and ware dealer
1871 Richard Welch, baker
63 High Street
2008 Private
1901 to 1919 Annie Hoskins, china and glass dealer
1881 and 1891 John Morgan, sweep
1871 William Loxton, cabinet maker
65 High Street
2008 R. Mansfield Opticians
? Wells wines
1891 and 1901 Martha Cock, needlewoman
1871 William Morse, blacksmith
67 High Street
2008 Scribbles
1901 Albert Loxton, general labourer
1891 William Loxton, cabinet maker
1881 William Loxton, upholsterer
1871 Elizabeth Cock, schoolmistress
69 High Street
2008 City Arms
1901, 1914 and 1919 Alfred Gould, City Arms
1881 and 1891 Mary Evans, City Arms
1871 Albert Halliday, City Arms
1861 George Curry, victualler
1851 John Denman, City Arms
1840 Sarah Main, City Arms
Was the city gaol from 16th century until 4early nineteenth century
71 High Street
2008 St Margaret’s Hospice shop
1970’s CW Wilton Bazaar
? Charles the butcher
1939 George Wilton, house furnisher
1914 and 1919 George Wilton, picture framer and town crier
1907 Queen’s Head closes
1903 James Bendall, beer retailer
1901 Thomas Collins, mason and innkeeper, Queen’s Head
1891 John Summers, innkeeper, Queen’s Head
1881 Edward John Webb, innkeeper, Queen’s Head
1871 John Webb, innkeeper, Queen’s Head
1861 Elizabeth Green, innkeeper, Queen’s Head
1851 Benjamin Watt, innkeeper, Queen’s Head
1837 Stranger’s Friend
73 High Street
2008 Candy Cove
? Cathedral City Travel
1939 Jean Coates, milliner
1919 M and ME Tomas, milliners
1914 Walter William Locke, confectioner
1910 WW Locke, caterer, cook and confectioner (from advert)
1901 and 1903 Walter William Locke, confectioner
1891 Walter Locke, confectioner
1871 Henry Morgan, Stonemason
1620 Three Cups
75 High Street
2008 Millican Eye Centre
1939 Thomas Mills, monumental mason
1914 and 1919 Thomas Mills, sculptor
1891 and 1901 Thomas Mills, monumental sculptor
1881 Robert Mills, Vicar choral and monumental sculptor
1871 Henry Higgins, grocer
1620 Three Cups
77 High Street
2008 Private
1914 Joseph Edwin Chatwin, watch and clock repair
1901 Richard Collier, bootmaker and shopkeeper
1891 Elizah Weaver, master tailor
1881 William Collins, seedsman selling plants and plant products (from advert)
1871 Eliza Grove, umbrella maker
79 High Street
2008 Cutting Bay
1914 May and Evan Thomas, milliners
1901 Joseph Phipps, gardener
1891 William Collins, nurseryman and seedsman
1871 and 1881 William Thatcher, receiving officer and registrar of births, deaths and marriages
81 High Street
2008 Rock House Dental Practice
1914 William Mogg, farmer
1891 and 1901 Fanny Jeck, living on own means (house called Rock House)
1881 Alexander McR Montgomery, draper from Scotland
1871 Henry Locke, draper
Going back up the High Street on other side of the road ...
84 High Street
2008 Creative Carpets
1980’s Laundrette
? Café ?
1871 to 1939 John Berry, brush maker
82 High Street
2008 Hoho House
1986 Chinese Food
1974 Happy Garden cook and take
1939 Alec Collins, tobacconist
1914 and 1919 Thomas Henry Wilton, tobacconist and shipping agent
1910 Wilton and sons, advertising for labourers and servants to go to Canada
1901 Jane Crease (sister of Edwin Crease), living on own means
1891 Edwin Crease, grocer
1871 Edwin Sheldon, engine fitter
80 High Street
2008 Cathedral City travel
Early 1970’s Crease stores closes
1939 Crease, Gold and Co. Ltd., grocers
1919 Edwin Crease, grocer
1918 Crease, was Cuthbert Stores (from advert)
1914 Edwin Crease, grocer
1910 St Cuthbert Stores, Edwin Crease, grocer (from advert)
1901 Jane Crease (sister of Edwin Crease), living on own means
1883 Crease’s. grocers and provision merchants (E Crease)
1881Robert Rogers, grocer
1881 A Teek Berlin, Crewel and fancy warehouse (from advert)
1871 George Gray, grocer
78 High Street
2008 Subway
? Motor parts shop
1969 No 78a Cooper and Tanner
Early 1970’s Creases (from Peter Culley)
1939 Crease, Gold and Co. Ltd., grocers
1939 Crease, Gold and Co. Ltd., grocers
1919 Edwin Crease, grocer
1918 Crease, was Cuthbert Stores (from advert)
1914 Edwin Crease, grocer
1910 St Cuthbert Stores, Edwin Crease, grocer (from advert)
1901 Jane Crease (sister of Edwin Crease), living on own means
1891 Walter Brooks, carpenter
1883 Crease’s. grocers and provision merchants (E Crease)
1881 Walter Brooks, pork butcher
1871 Walter Brooks, butcher
76 High Street
2008 CLIC
1939 Wyatt’s, saddlers
1927 G Wyatt, leather goods (from advert)
1901 to 1919 George Wyatt, saddlery and harness
1891 James Andrews, currier
1881 Albion Andrews, magistrate
1871 Albion Andrews, currier
74 High Street
2008 Gosh Trading
1936 to 1980’s Melhuish and Saunders, builders
1919 John Nichols, builder
1914 Sydney Tom Richards, builder
1871 to 1901 Sydney T Richards, builders
72 High Street
2008 Bathrooms, Showers and Tiles
1939 Wells Supply Co., grocers
1936 Maggs Furnishing (from advert)
1914 London Central Meat Co., butchers
1891 and 1901 Albert Higgins, grocer
1871 Sydney T Richards, painter etc.
70 High Street
2008 Ladbrokes
? Kids toys
? Woolea’s sheepskin
1936 Maggs Furnishing (from advert)
1919 Ernest W Chisholm, cycle agent
1914 Chisholme and Co., cycle agents AND Ernest William Chisholm, fishmonger
1901 John F Vincent, fishmonger
1891 Harry Vincent, fishmonger
1881 John F Vincent, fishmonger
1871 John Vincent, tailor
When the City Arms was used as a gaol, there was a passageway near here 9or where this shop now stands) where prisoners were taken from gaol and hanged.
68 High Street
2008 Whiting and Son
1939 Whiting and Son
1936 Whitings
1919 Alice Vincent, fishmonger
1914 Clara Ann Wilkins, pork butcher
1891 and 1901 Albert Wilkins, pork butcher
1881 Walter Hill, pork butcher
1871 James Hill, pork butcher
1538 Bull then White Bull (pos here or number 60)
66 High Street
2008 Chaos
1939 St Cuthberts Refreshment Rooms
1914 and 1919 Bowring and WH Palmer and son, surveyors. Land house agents AND Charles Hutchins, beer retailer
1903 Charles Hutchins, beer retailer
1901 Charles Hutchins, innkeeper
1891 Walter Ham, Innkeeper, Heart of Oak
1881 Frederick W Woodburn, Innkeeper and joiner
1871 Blacksmith Arms Inn, George Sherlock
1861 Live Allen, smith and innkeeper
1851 Blacksmiths Arms Inn, Levi Allen
1822 Joiners Arms
64 High Street
2008 Gallery of Cheddar and Wells
1939 and 1956 Leo Fisher, jewellery
1901, 1914 and 1919 James Monelle, master tailor
1891 William Halliday, retired currier
1881 John Webber, photographic artist
1871 James Rossiter, Solicitors, managing agent
62 High Street
2008 TG Pollard and Son?
1914 Cooper and Tanner, agricultural and general auctioneers and valuers
1901 Charles Ribbeck, insurance superintendent
1881 and 1891, retired farmer
1871 Elizabeth Weeks, housemaid
60 High Street
2008 Specsavers
Before 2004 Sight centres and before that Mr Haighs opticians, thanks Pat Trott
1939 Stanley Chinn, Hairdresser (Master) (1939 UK register)
1914 and 1919 Alban Richard George, hairdressers
1901 Frederick Loxton, cabinetmaker and upholsterer
1881 and 1891 Mary Ann Mullins, annuitant
1871 Eliza Taylor, annuitant
58 High Street
2008 Wells Photo Centre
1901 and 1939 James Adlam, tobacconist
1891 Frederick Webb, tobacconist and house decorator
1891 Adlams tobacconist (from advert)
1881 Alfred Webb, painter and paper hanger
1871 William Halliday, Carver in wood and stone
56 High Street
2 Market Place and 1 High Street
2009 – Anokhi and Anseres Place This is a bit confusing because The Red Lion definitely was in this building but it is sometimes 1 High Street and sometimes 2 Market Place on the various records. 2004 Aubergines ?
1822 George Wilkins was innkeeper
1851 Alice Bath had taken over
1861 Henry Cole
1871 and 1881 Robert Williams
1891 The Temperance Hotel with William Roadhouse as manager
1901 Carrie Dumbleton manager
1914 and 1919 Frederick Barker ran the Red Lion Temperance Hotel and the Red Lion Club and reading room
1939 Mrs A Thomas ran the Red Lion
The Chapman’s owned The Crown post war and also managed The Red Lion hotel next door (latterly Market Place Hotel) and sold some of the land behind The Crown to the Red Lion – there used to be a squash court behind there.
1986 The Market Place Hotel was owned by the managers of the Swan Hotel.
Also at this address are Laphorn Hatmakers in 1861 to 1881 and, in 1939, a café run by Irene Field.
2008 Banana Skincare
2006 Dobkins, High Street Greengrocers
1960 Ashton Porch, greengrocer
1939 Ashton Porch, greengrocer
1935 Ashton Porch, fruiterer
1919 Cobe, Henry George, fishmonger
1914 Alice Vincent, fishmonger and butchery
1895 Albert Collier, greengrocer and fishmonger
1891 Albert Collier, fishmonger “My great great grandfather was Albert Moore the fishmonger at 56 High St. He was the innkeeper at The Railway Tavern Southover before being made bankrupt in 1873. I suppose he then became a fishmonger. From Martin Steenson”
1881 Albert Moore, fishmonger Shaftesbury, Dorset
1871 William Halliday, Carver in Wood and Stone
54 High Street
2008 British Heart Foundation
1980’s Rendezvous restaurant (The Rendezvous cafe was in the back of Curtis cake/ bread shop)
1970’s Curtis’s
1914 and 1919 Joseph B Dickenson, baker
1891 William Dickenson, builder and corn dealer
1871 and 1881 George Perry, baker
52 High Street
2008 Superbook
? Curtis’s
1939 Moggs Bakery
1914 and 1919 Stanley George Mogg, baker
1881, 1891 and 1901 William Mogg, baker
1871 Henry Cox, baker
1850’s Jersey Dairy and Restaurant (William Mogg)
50 High Street
2008 Britannia Building Society
1914 and 1919 TN Chard and sons Ltd., boot and shoe makers
1891 Charles Barnard, butcher
1881 Joseph F Brooks, butcher
1871 Charles Barnard, butcher
48 High Street
2008 Britannia Building Society
1939 William Richards, confectioner
1914 and 1919 Henry Richards, confectioner
1901 Sydney Mogg, confectioner
1881 Charles Quelch James, hairdresser
1871 Robert Brand, engine driver
1607 and 1689 Goat’s Head Inn
46 High Street
2008 Mistral
? Walton Clothing Company
1987 Friendly Friar Restaurant
1980’s A Campkin, butcher
1969 A Campkin, butcher (from advert)
1955 A Campkin, butcher (from photo)
1914, 1919 and 1939 William Barnard (Barnard Brothers), butcher
1903 William Charles Barnard, butcher
1891 and 1901 William Barnard, butcher
1881 William Whittle, butcher from Bournemouth
1871 John White, butcher
44 High Street
2008 Insport
1955 Vowles Chemist (from photo)
1939 Edgar Vowles, chemist (also 12 Sadler Street)
1919 Woodhams Dowman, bookseller printer and publisher
1914 William Frederick Dodd, newsagent
1901 Henrietta George, printer and stationer
1891 William George, printer, bookseller and stationer
1891 The Wells Restaurant and sweet manufacturer, moved from 29 High Street) from advert
1881 William George, printer and stationer
1871 Mary Oldfield, tallow chandler
42 High Street
2008 Cheltenham and Gloucester Plc
1955 Harrill’s (from photo)
1939 William Harrill, butcher
1932 WH Harrill, butcher (from advert)
1919 William Henry Harrill, butcher
1918 WH Harrill, butcher (from advert)
1914 W and R Fletcher Ltd., butchers
1903 Byrt A and sons, stationers AND Shepton Mallet Journal Office also sign saying the bazaar
1901 Queenie Ward, stationer
1891 John Way Lovegrove, draper and fancy bazaar
1881 John Way Lovegrove, hairdresser and fancy warehouseman
40 High Street
2008 Vacant
1980’s? insane Games
? Woolshop
1932 and 1939 Holloway and sons, hairdresser
1903, 1914 and 1919 Fanny Helen Keen, fancy repository
1901 Queenie Ward, stationers
1871 Robert Keen, draper
38 High Street
2008 Clintons
2000’s Dixons
1980’s Eileen Marshall, fabrics and materials
1960 Liptons the grocers
1939 Carter and son, refreshment room
? City Café
1903, 1914 and 1919 Alexander Macenzie, coffee tavern
1901 William McKenzie, gardener
1891 George Parsons, farmer also Liberal Club
1871 and 1881 Charles Sellick, cabinet maker
1819 Red Ox
To 1835 Joiners Arms
36 High Street
2008 Kings Head
Kings Head since 1605 and an inn since 1308
34 High Street
2008 Waterstones
1980’s Fine Shoes
? Crockers
? Nortons
1956 HC Norton and son, outfitters for men and women (from advert)
1939 Sydney Rigg, dentist
1919 HC Norton and son, tailors and outfitters
1914 Robert Legget Anderson, dentist
1881, 1891 and 1901Henry Charles Norton, outfitter
1871 Charles Tayler, butcher
32 High Street
2008 Waterstones
1980’s Fine Shoes
? Crockers
? Nortons
1956 HC Norton and son, outfitters for men and women (from advert)
1939 Sydney Rigg, dentist
1919 HC Norton and son, tailors and outfitters
1914 Robert Legget Anderson, dentist
1901 Roland Cock, builder
1871, 1881 and 1891 Charles Cock, carpenter and undertaker
30 High Street
2008 Waterstones
1980’s Fine Shoes
? Crockers
? Nortons
1956 HC Norton and son, outfitters for men and women (from advert)
1939 Sydney Rigg, dentist
1914 and 1919 HC Norton and son, tailors and outfitters
1901 Henry Charles Norton, outfitters
1891 Ann Teek, fancy draper
1891 A Teek, outfitters and baby linen
1881 Ann Teek, draper
1871 Elizabeth Marchalson, draper
28 High Street
2008 Starbucks
1980’s Ways and co., grocery store
1963 Ways and co., grocery store (advert)
1914, 1919 and 1939 Ways and Co., grocers
1901 William Brown, grocer
1881 John Christopher Way, grocer and wine merchant
1871 John Way, grocer
1861 Three Kings, Ann Boyce, innkeeper
1840 and 1851 Three Kings, Francis Fry, innkeeper
1822 Three Kings, Thomas Maddocks
1607 and 1660 Ash in the Well
26 High Street
2008 Lloyds TSB Bank (sign saying bank established 1835)
1939 Lloyds
1891 and 1901 Ernest Clark, Bank Manager
1881 Joseph John Tasker, silk mercer and wool draper
1871 Joseph Tasker, silk mercer and wool draper
24 High Street
2008 Lloyds TSB Bank (sign saying bank established 1835)
1974 and 1986 Traveller’s Joy (travel agent maybe upstairs?)
1939 Lloyds
1891 and 1901 Ernest Clark, Bank Manager
1881 Joseph John Tasker, silk mercer and wool draper
1871 Joseph Tasker, silk mercer and wool draper
22 High Street
2008 Holland and Barrett
1980’s Londis
1939 Boots
1881 to 1919 Peter Fry, corn merchant
20 High Street
2008 Jag mobile phones
1960 The Flower Basket
1939 Archibald Jones, car garage
1935 Sampson and Jones, motor engineers
1932 Tincknell Farriers
1927 Sampson and Jones selling and repairing cars (from advert)
1919 Sampson and Jones, motor engineers
1914 Sampson and Jones, motor engineers
1914 Sampson and Jones Motor Engineers
1901 John William Tyack, Bootmaker
1891 John William Tyack, Bootmaker
1881 John William Tyack, Bootmaker from Cornwall
1874/1875 George Evans, forge shoeing and vet
1871 John Tyack, Cordwainer
1606 to 1820 Queen’s Arms
18 High Street
2008 First Choice Travel Shop
1970’s Parker’s the Bakers, “a Bristol chain with orange livery, and a coffee shop behind. I think that must have been the first ‘modern’ cafe in Wells.” Andy Foyle
1970 “This was still Pettigrew’s until about 1970 – they sold nice stationery and artist’s materials” Andy Foyle
1960 William Pettigrew, printer and stationer
1939 William Pettigrew, printer and stationer
1935 William Richardson Pettigrew, printer, stationer and fancy goods
1919 Albert Collier, fishmonger
1914 Albert Collier, fishmonger and green grocer
1901 James Plant, Fishmonger and Fruiterer
1891 James Plant, Fishmonger
1881 James Collier, Fishmonger
1871 James Collier, Fishmonger
16 High Street
2008 Stead and Simpson
1950’s World Stores
1939 International Tea Company Stores Ltd.
1914 and 1919 William Embry, family grocer, beer, wine merchant, Italian warehousemen, English cheese factor
1901 William Embry, grocer and wine merchant
1891 William Embry, grocer
1891 Central Stores, William Embry (from advert)
1861, 1871 and 1881 Thomas Pocock, grocer
14 High Street
1999 Star Hotel (Planning Application to change reception)
1970 Star Hotel 16th century coaching inn prop. Mr and Mrs Fentum manager Miss E Jones (from advert)
1963 WKG Norman, proprietor
1935 Star Hotel, fully licensed, baths, h and c, electric light, gas fires, first-class lounge, garage, AA and RAC (Phone 55)
1930’s Mrs EE Norman, proprietress
1919 George Frederick Bignal, Star family and commercial hotel
1914 George Frederick Bignal, Star family and commercial hotel
1903 Star Family and Commercial hotel (Jessie Cox)
1901 Jessie Cox, Hotel Keeper – Star Hotel
1895 Bowns Star Hotel, family, commercial and posting house
1891 Leah Bown, Hotel Keeper – Star Hotel
1881 Henry John Bown, Hotel Keeper – Star Hotel
1871 Joseph Selway, Star Hotel
1864 the hotel was called George’s Star Hotel (from advert)
1861 James Plaister, Hotel Keeper
1859 Star and Railway Hotel
1851 Edward Rolle, Vicar Choral and Innkeeper Star Hotel
1840 Elizabeth Bell, Star
1822 Star Inn, Joshua Ball
1513 Star Inn or Star of Bethlehem
12 High Street
2008 Cancer Research Institute
1914, 1919, 1919, 1927 and 1939 World’s Stores
1871, 1881, 1891, 1901 James Oram, hairdresser
1700 Hole in the Wall
10 High Street
2008 Can Do 4 You Services & Travel goods
1996 Dewhurst goes into receivership
1980 Dewhurst the master butcher
1969 Dewhurst and Eastmans butchers
1950’s Eastman’s Butchers
(Photo thanks to Norman Finnimore)
1939 Eastmans Ltd., butcher
1935 Eastmans Ltd., butcher
1919 Eastmans Ltd., butchers
1914 Eastmans Ltd., butchers
1901 Samuel Tripp, Butcher
1895 John Griffin Hayman, dentist (first and third monday of month)
1891 Augustus Walter, Jeweller
1881 Augustus Walter, Watchmaker from Witney, Oxford
1871 Mary Goodwin, Jeweller
W & R Fletcher were a New Zealand co taken over by Vestey Bros in 1912,Fletchers had been importing frozen mutton to uk & finding a resistance to their so called inferior meat opened their own shops (400)to sell direct.
They also had cold stores & wholesale facilities in the main ports.
Vestey bros owned many other butchery firms including Eastmans ltd, They were at no 10 High st & i expect for reasons of economy during the first war Fletchers business would have been transferred to 10 high st.
I do know nationaly Eastmans had 1700 shops in 1914 & during the war shut over 500 due to men serving & lack of meat to sell,
Vestey also owned Dewhurst & after the second war with television & media etc Vestey wanted a national image so as shops needed refitting they called them J H Dewhurst & in the 80,s Dewhurst the master butcher, Sadly going into receivership in 1996, As they say I know i was that butcher, Norman Finnimore.
8 High Street and 6 High Street
2008 Thomas Cook (number 8 High Street)
2008 Bergamo (number 6 High Street)
This shop used to be the site of an off licence and The Kings Parlour and there used to be a passageway between these building leading to another entrance for King Charles Parlour (I think). The end of the passageway can be seen from the courtyard behind the White Hart in Sadler Street.
Kings Charles parlour was haunted by a ghost dressed as a cavalier. Mrs Mary Ham, former manageress, told the Wells journal in 1978 that she had seen the ghost. The new owners, Philip and Ann Hanson found that the phantom was too much for their young son. When the BBS went to film the ghost, rumour has it that the lighting equipment failed or even exploded.
The parlour had a Jacobean staircase.
1980’s Charles Edwards
1969 King Charles Parlour
1956 Charles Edwards Ltd, wine merchants
1950’s King Charles Parlour and off licence
1939 Charles Edwards (Worcester) Ltd., wine and spirit and ale and stout agent
1914 and 1919 James Tate and son, wine and spirit merchants and beer and ale bottlers
1901 Rayben Dickinson, wine merchant
1881 Elizabeth Gristock, refreshment house keeper
1871 John Talbot, grocer
1840 King Charles Parlour
1642 to 1830’s leased by the Pearce family of bakers
1426 owned by the corporation
4 High Street
2008 Julian Graves
1960 Robert Davies, outfitters
1939 Robert Davies, outfitters
1914 Clares (HA Clare), general draper, furnisher and cheese factor
1900 Clare’s (Mr Clare came from Norfolk), draper
1881 Matilda Ellis, Draper from Canterbury
1874/1875 Ellis and Parrett, drapers
1871 Ann Earl, Draper
2 High Street and 1 Sadler Street
2008 Fudge Shop and City News and NFU Mutual and 1a West Cornwall pasty
1960’s and 1970’s Mitzie, women’s clothes
1940’s Buttons drapery and haberdashery store
1939 JN Buttons, drapers
1936 JN Buttons, drapers and outfitters (from advert)
1881, 1891, 1914 and 1919 Martin Vonberg, drapers
1871 William Chadwick Vonberg, draper born in Jersey
High Street unknown exact address
Black Boy,
Hare and Hounds
1700 Company of Tailors,
1700 Hole in the Wall,
1700 Ship,
1700 Bell (also on 1793 map),
London Tavern (1844 James Murrow)
Joiners Arms – 1822, Richard Boyce also mentioned 1830
1840 Strangers Friend, Sussanah Hill
Three Cups 1682 to 1712
1784 Bell Inn (Robert Bartlett)
High Street map 1607
Sadler Street
2 Sadler Street – see 1 Market Place and 2 Sadler Street
4 Sadler Street
2008 ? 1974 Old Priory Café
1960 Mim Dresses? picture
1939 Clare and Son and co.
1935 Mrs Edna Webb, cake shop
1935 Coxley Poultry Farm, poulterers
1914 John Davys, draper AND Edmund Pope Wilkins, confectioner
1903 (Ordinance Survey) it was owned by William J Jones, dentist.
1901 (Oliver Gooding, bookmaker).
1891 (Cornelius Tyle, Retired Silversmith)
1881 Henry Oxley, 2nd Clerk In Probate Court
6 Sadler Street
2008 Number six 2004 West One, fashions
1980’s Tudor Shops of Wells
1960 The Tudor House Fashions (Rene Campkin)
1949 Ladies Hairdresser
1939 Winifred Goodman, ladies hairdresser
1939 Norman Wright, gowns
1935 William Holloway, ladies hairdresser
1926 BD Mogg, implement agent
1914 and 1919 Bertram Donald Mogg, ironmonger
1910 “The City Chemist”.
1901 it was occupied by William Hill a Lamplighter
1895 John Green junior, dairyman
1891 John Green a dairyman
1881 James Weaver, a wood carver from Wells
8 Sadler Street
2008 Whicketts 1960 Yvonne Hamilton, antiques
1956 Walter Pearce, fruiterer and green grocer. Was found dead, having fallen from bedroom window of this address 4/5/1956 aged 60
1939 Walter Pearce, fruiterer
1935 Walter Pearce, fruiterer
1910 “Moggs” described Implement Agent.
1903 Ordinance Survey George Humphreys, fruiterer.
1901 George Humphreys, Florist and Fruit Monger
1895 George Humphreys, fruiterer
1891 George Humphreys, occupation was described as Florist, Fruiterer and Verger at Wells Cathedral.
1881 George Humphreys, from Hinton Florist and Seedsman.
10 Sadler Street
2008 Jackson-Stops & Staff
2006 Bookshop
1969 DH James photos (from advert)
1960 Vernon Anderson, Stockbroker
1939 Central Somerset Cleaners
1935 Loisa Skinner, confectioner
1901 Mary Serel, Confectioner and Tobacconist
1895 Samuel Bendall, boot and shoe maker and Sarah Bendall, dressmaker
1881 Samuel Bendall, boot maker born in Wells. By 1891 he described his occupation as a shoemaker.
1874/1875 Mrs S and Miss H Bendall, Dressmakers
12 Sadler Street
2008 Old Spot Restaurant
2006 Market Bar
2004 Carringtons
1973/1974 “My sister worked here in about 1973/4 when it was still Vowles the chemist. Their other shop They must have closed this shop shortly after that but their other store in High Street was still open in the 1980s.” Andy Foyle
1954 Edgar Vowles, chemist from phone book
1939 Edgar Vowles, chemist (also 44 HS)
1935 Edgar Vowles, chemist (also 44 HS)
1926 The City Chemist
1914 and 1919 James Ricketts, pharmacist
1910 J Ricketts, pharmacy (from advert)
1881 Jonathan Slater, from Bassenthwaite, Cumberland was living here. He was described as a Chemist Aerated Water Manufacturer. He remained here until at least 1903 where he is recorded in the Ordinance Survey map as a chemist and druggist.
14 Sadler Street
2008 James Christopher hairdresser 2004 Joseph Harling, hairdresser
1980’s Wool shop
1960 GR Algar, wools
1939 Ellen Wheeler, art and needlework stores
1935 Miss Bertha Gooding, fancy draper
1914 and 1919 Bertha Gooding, Fancy Draper also Frederick Greenslade, optician.
1901 George Noble, Saddle and Harness Maker.
1891 George Noble, saddler
1881 Henry Ivins, a Saddler & Harness maker Master from Ross, Hereford.
1874/1875 Charles Bendall, Tailor
16 Sadler Street
2008 Private?
1874/1875 Mrs Phillis Barrett, Lodging House
18 Sadler Street
2008 This is now a Bed and Breakfast business. It appears to have been a lodging house since at least 1881, the lodge house keeper in this year was Phillis Barrett from North Curry.
?1960 Alliance Building Society
?1960 F Brand George, accountant
20 Sadler Street
2008 The Ancient Gatehouse This is one of the oldest hotels in England (according to their website).
1970’s Mrs OJ Hyland
1960 Ancient Gatehouse Hotel, GA McGregor
1935 Mrs EW Parrott
1930’s Resident owner Mrs EW Parrott “A most attractive unlicensed hotel”
1914 The Gate House Tea Rooms (Miss HL Banken)
1901 the hotel keeper was Robert Jeck. Sarah Fry (born in Evercreech) was living there in 1891 and 1881.
1660-1744 Mitre. This was the second location of the Mitre Hotel (first at number 13 then finally at no’s 15 and 17 Sadler Street)
Dr J Beardmore says: Nikki,
I have visited your web pages before while researching some Wells history, and have returned to it for reference.
You note that the Mitre Hotel moved from no 13 (Cafe Romano) to no 20 (Ancient Gatehouse) in 1660. It occurred to me that this date was the Restoration of the Monarchy,(Charles II) and may have represented a new opportunity after the suppression of frivolities prevalent under puritan rule. The Mitre could even have been closed for a while with this being a relaunch or revival. It is interesting that the Mitre, as a symbol, is particularly associated with Catholic Bishops and is part of High Church ritual, abhorred by the Puritans. A new lease of life for the Mitre Hotel name could have been an indication or mark of celebration.
2 High Street and 1 Sadler Street
2008 Fudge Shop and City News and NFU Mutual and 1a West Cornwall pasty
1960’s and 1970’s Mitzie, women’s clothes
1940’s Buttons drapery and haberdashery store
1939 JN Buttons, drapers
1936 JN Buttons, drapers and outfitters (from advert) 1881, 1891, 1914 and 1919 Martin Vonberg, drapers
1871 William Chadwick Vonberg, draper born in Jersey
3 Sadler Street
2008 DH James, photography
1980’s Pavey the tobacconist
1939 Pavey the tobacconist
1901 George W Tyte, jeweller and watchmaker
1891 George W Tyte, jeweller and watchmaker
1881 Cornelius Tyte, watchmaker from Bath
5 Sadler Street
2008 Goodfellow
1960 BD Mogg and son
1956 BD Mogg and son
1939 BD Mogg and son, Ironmonger
1918 SM Jeffard, confectioner (from advert)
1914 Sydney Jefford, Dining rooms
1903 Robert Jefford, dining and refreshment rooms
1901 Robert Jefford, baker and confectioner
1891 RP Jefford, baker and confectioner (from advert)
1881 Robert Powell Jefford, confectioner from Bridport
7 Sadler Street
2008 Harris and Harris
1971 The Old Priory Café (from advert)
1960 The Old Priory Café
1939 Taylor and Henwood, tea rooms
1919 Thomas William Allington, grocer
1914 Thomas William Allington, grocer
1903 Francis William Smith, family grocer, tea dealer and Italian warehouseman
1901 Francis Smith, grocer
1891 Francis Smith, grocer
1881 Francis William Smith, grocer
9 Sadler Street and 11 Sadler Street
2008 No 9 – closed and No 11 – Swan Hotel
This is a bit confusing because all the other records show No 9 as the Swan Hotel, although that is next door …. I will join the two together …
2004 Cluttons
1960 Swan Grill 1940’s “Arthur Burridge purchased No 9 in the 1940’s. Four single bedrooms were made upstairs for the hotel. The shop was rented to Eddie Knowles when he started his antique business in the 1950’s, a few years later he moved to the Market Square. The shop was then converted into the Swan Grill which my Grandmother, Freda Burridge, managed until they retired in 1964 when the Swan was sold. I visited the Swan last year, No 9 is now reverted back to a separate property” Geoffrey Watson
1930’s to 1960’s “My Grandfather, Arthur Burridge, owner of Central Hotel, High Street, Wells, 1930’s to 1960’s purchased the Swan Hotel from the George family possibly in the 1930’s and remained as the proprietor until 1964. I was born at the Swan Hotel in 1950 in the bedroom situated over the archway which has the carved wooden swan between the two windows” Geoffrey Watson
1939 David Appleyard, hairdresser
1935 Swan Hotel
1935 David Appleyard, hairdresser 1930’s “My Grandfather was Frederick Brand George married to Violet who owned the Swan until the sale in the 1930’s. Brand George brother of my father David George lived in the house opposite the Swan until his death. We as a family visit Wells every November and stay at the Swan during the Carnival.” Tim George
1919 Swan first class family and commercial hotel (Frederick Brand George) AND Wells Cricket Club HQ
1914 Swan first class family and commercial hotel (Frederick Brand George) AND Wells Cricket Club HQ
1901 Frederick B George, Hotel Keeper – Swan Hotel
1895 Mrs L George, Swan family and commercial hotel
1891 Proprietor is TW Walker and advertised with Sun Inn (from advert)
1891 Louisa George, Hotel Keeper – Swan Hotel
1881 Frederic Charles George, Hotel Keeper – Swan Hotel born in Abingdon, Berkshire
1851 Joseph Keen, Innkeeper
1840 Edward Rolie, Swan
1822 George Bacon
1784 Swan , George Say (wife Mary was in charge of Mitre)
1422 John Pury
Swan Hotel since 1422
13 Sadler Street
2008 Café Romano
2004 Wells Tandoori
1974 T Wicks and son, Undertakers, removals, house furnishers still in 1986
1970 Wicks (from advert – furnishings bedding, floor coverings, soft furnishing, upholstery, loose cover and curtain making, removals, warehousing, funerals and cremations) Also T. Wicks and Son, auctioneers and estate agents
1960 Halifax Building Society
1956 T. Wicks and son (from advert)
1939 Wicks and Son
1935 Wicks and Son, cabinet makers (also Mitre buildings)
1919 Wicks and Son, cabinet makers
1914 Wicks and Son, cabinet makers
1903 Wicks and Son (Est over 40 yrs) (from advert)
1901 Thomas Wicks, Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer
1891 Thomas Wicks, Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer
1881 Thomas Wicks, Cabinet Maker from Windsor
Original site for Mitre Hotel first called Cornish Clough (1490)
15 Sadler Street
This is the third and final location for the Mitre Hotel (numbers 15 and 17)
2008 Allen & Harris 1974 “Osmond Tricks and son” Chartered Surveyors
1952 AW Fear, motor engineers
1949 T Wicks and son – auctioneers and Halifax BS estate agents
1936 and 1939 AW Fear Bikes and car hire
1919 and 1914 Albert William, motor engineer
1901 Thomas Richards, Mitre Hotel
1891 George Horn, Butler and Innkeeper, Mitre Hotel Vaults
1881 George Horn, Manager of Mitre Hotel Tap (born Sidmouth)
17 Sadler Street
This is the third and final location for the Mitre Hotel (numbers 15 and 17)
2008 Twelve Junior
2004 Pure, lingerie shop
1970 Antique shop (Ken Taylor)
1960 K Taylor, antiques
1939 Mitre Hotel
1935 Mrs B Barker, Mitre Private Hotel
1923 Mitre Hotel (not with no. 17)
1914 Mitre Private hotel (Frederick Brand George)
1901 Thomas Richards, Publican, Mitre Hotel
1891 Charles Ackland, Hotel Keeper, Mitre Hotel
1881 William James Rogers, Hotel Proprietor, Mitre Hotel
1851 William Joyce, Innkeeper
1616 Flower de Luce
19 Sadler Street and 21 Sadler Street
2008 No 19- White Hart (Yard) and No 21- White Hart No 19
19 Sadler Street
1901 Albert Rapley, Greengrocer and Nags Head
1895 Sampson Grist, beer retailer
1891 Frederick Godfrey, Nags Head and Mason
1881 Joseph Loman, Innkeeper
1821 John Peach, Beer House Keeper
21 Sadler Street
1919 and 1914 White Hart family and commercial hotel (Henry Thomas Wilcox)
1903 White Hart AND Bennett and Millard, auctioneers AND Ancient Order of Druids (sec George Wilcox)
23 Sadler Street
2008 Sadler Street Gallery
1986 Highlights, gifts, deli, coffee and food ? Cathedral Cuisine ? Mendip Dairies
1960 The Old Priory Café
1939 Searles Dairies and Milk Bar
1925 Searles Dairy formerly Jersey Dairy
1919 John Pavey, tobacconist
1914 Annie Edwards, tobacconist
1903 Mrs Martin (late Lowmans) stationers (from advert)
1903 Joseph Lowmans, tobacconist
1901 Edith Lowmans, tobacconist
1891 Joseph Lowman, gardener
1881 George Vile, plasterer
1718 White Horse
25 Sadler Street
2008 Antique Shop
1960 BD Moggs and sons
1939 Goody’s cakes
1930 Goody’s Café and Tea Rooms
1919 Charles Henry Rummings, stationer and newsagent
1914 Charles Henry Rummings, stationer and newsagent
1901 Charles Rummings, grocery assistant
190? Rummings
1891 W. George, printer, bookseller and stationer (advert says now closed)
27 Sadler Street
Private, no records found
29 Sadler Street
2008 Private
1939 Wayside Hotel, Mrs Bignal
31 Sadler Street
2008 Jelf Group
1939 Britannia Assurance
1919 WE Browne and son, nurserymen
1914 WE Browne and son, nurserymen, The Priory Nurseries
1881 Robert Keen, draper
queen street
1 Queen Street
2008 Clothing and Camping
1997 Clothing and Camping ? Little Treasures, toy and children’s clothes shop ? Garage (the front part of shop was open)
1945 Private House
1935 Gladys M Bound, Grocer
1903 George Lilly, general smith, gas and hot water fitter
3 Queen Street
2008 Private
1960 FH Cardwell, car hire with Jim Cardwell
1932 Frank Cardwell, taxi service
1914 Coles and Son, job masters (Coles “owned” the Kings Head)
1901 Ernest Cardwell, Taylor
1881 Joseph White, Butcher
5 Queen Street
2008 Swan Stationery/Rajah/Daniel’s Cafe Just to confuse things, the numbering on this side of the street is a little odd. In 2008 Rajah is 5a, Daniels is 5, Swan Stationery is 5A, the upstairs business is 5B and The Cutting Club is 5
1980’s Daniels was a fish monger shop 1
939 Frederick Joseph Green, fried fish
1914 Edward Cecil Goodridge, fried fish dealer
1881 and 1891 Bulls Head Inn, William Parfitt
1822 Bulls Head, J Freeland
1784 Bulls Head, Sarah Fox
7 Queen Street
2008 Changing Room ? Curtis Cakes
1901 Arthur McGregor Paper Maker
20 Queen Street
2008 Kids Stuff and Dry cleaners
1914 Tom Ford, bootmaker
1901 Fred Collins, house decorator
1881 William B Taylor, maltster and brewer AND Catherine Were, stay maker
18 Queen Street
2008 Thatchers Pets
1950’s Thatchers (with Coco the Macaw)
Between 1945 & 1950 Reynolds Bristol Ltd., butchers
1914, 1919, 1927 and 1939 Edwin Herniman, butcher
1901 Ellen Hill, butcher
1881 John Hooper, taxidermist, bird stuffer
16 Queen Street
2008 Protec
1939 Eileen Spencer, ladies hairdresser
1939 Jack Cecil Herniman, car proprietor
1901 and 1919 George Wilcox, solicitors clerk and deputy town clerk
1881 Samuel Say, brewer
14 Queen Street
2008 La Maison Fromage
1914 and 1919 Mabel James, shopkeeper
1901 Sidney James, hairdresser
1881 William J England, brushmaker
12 Queen Street
2008 Three Little Piggies
1974 and 1986 Charmlite, lighting
1881 and 1901 and 1903 John Andrews, market gardener
10 Queen Street
2008 Crystals
1939 Arthur Board, boot repairer
1935 Mrs SH Cooke, Newsagent
1901 Fred Stevens, Porter
1881 Elizabeth Burch, Laundress
8 Queen Street
2008 Closed 2004 Dreweatt Neate
1960’s to early 1970’s Residential house (Addicott mother Baker mother Cardwell)
1932 Frank Cardwell, taxi service
1920 Frank Cardwell, taxi service
1903 John Sheppard, coal dealer
1901 John Sheppard, labourer
1874/1875 James Cox, lodging house
6 Queen Street
2008 Griggs Newsagent
1939 Ellen and Mary Walsh, confectioners
1914 and 1919 Edith Anderson, confectioner
1881 John Martin, grocer
4 Queen Street
2008 Private
2 Queen Street
2008 Private
1939 George Wilton, hardware
1919 Albert Rose, furniture dealer
1903 Rose’s Stores, furniture (from advert)
1891 James ?, butcher
Queen Street address unknown
1784 Three Crowns (William King) 1793 to 1798
broad street
2 Broad Street
2008 Microbitz
1935 Lewis Beer.Jr., confectioner
1931 Margaret Trudgian, confectioner
1910 to 1923 Herbert S. Trudgian, confectioner “Trudgian and Beer are part of my family history. Herbert Trudgian was a son of William and Matilda Trudgian who had a shoe repair shop at no 1 Mill Lane in 1889, later William had a shop at No 3 Broad St in 1894” – thanks to Valerie Collymore
1906 Chas. E. Parker, draper
1895 Hooper and son, naturalists
4 Broad Street
2008 Studley Jewellers
1960 JLD Innes Radio shop
1935 Frank W Wookey, draper
1919 Charles Hayter, stationer
1914 Charles Hayter, stationer
1903 and 1911 EJ Wilson, drug stores (from advert)
1881 William Elliott, Millwright
6 Broad Street
2008 Studley Jewellers 2004 Kut and Kurl (6a)
? Waterford Glass shop (6)
? Fanny’s hair artists (6a)
1939 William Chivers, hairdresser
1935 William Chivers, hairdresser
1919 Charles James, hairdresser
1914 Charles James, hairdresser 1911 Charles James
1903 Charles James, hairdresser
1901 Charles James, hairdresser
1895 Charles James, hairdresser
1891 Charles James, hairdresser
1874/1875 John George, bootmaker
8 Broad Street
2008 Acacia Flowers
“This remained Dodkin’s Greengrocers throughout the 1960s-80s at least” Andy Foyle
1960 Dobkins Greengrocer
1960 Mead’s Greengrocers
1939 James Studley, Jeweller
1939 Charles Grant, butcher
1935 James Upham Studley, jeweller
1935 Charles W Grant, butcher
1919 Francis, Frederick James, hosier
1918 FJ Francis, Tailor and outfitter (from advert)
1914 Francis, Frederick James, hosier
1901 George Scott Shoemaker
1891 Robert Tucker Shoemaker
1881 Thomas G. Bowles Basket Maker
10 Broad Street
2008 Bloomsbury Beauty/Chop
1986 “Traveller’s Joy” travel agent
1974 “Traveller’s Joy” travel agent ? Card shop
? Butcher
1939 Edward White, Pastry cook
1935 Harry Edwin Fear, shopkeeper
1914 Nelson James and sons Ltd., butcher
1903 Frederick E Andrews, watch maker and cycle agent
1901 Frank Edward Andrews, Jeweller, Gold
Around 1900 James Nelson (from photo), foreign meat seller
1895 Frederick E Andrews, watchmaker
1891 Frederick Andrews, Jeweller
1881 Caroline Charles, annuitant born London
12 Broad Street
2008 Peter Douglas menswear
1970’s LR Moxham, men’s wear
1960 The Knitting Centre
1935 Burtons Stores, grocers
1919 India and China Tea Company
1914 India and China Tea Company
1903 James Sealey, agent for Singer Manufacturing Co.
1901 James Sealey, Sewing Machine Agent
1900 India and China Tea Company
1881 Edward Padfield, Gas (Fitter) Engineer Frome
from 1830’s India and China tea shop
14 Broad Street
2008 Bar Italia and Simpsons and Bacon Estate Agent 2004 Countrywide Estate Agents
? Cafe
1939 Westmans of Somerset, dyers and cleaners
1910 Styles and son, baby carriages (from advert) also made and sold furniture
1901 Frances Chard, Cabinet Maker
1895 Edward Hill Chard, Cabinet maker
1891 Edwin H Chard, Cabinet maker and upholsterer
1881 Edwin H Chard, Cabinet maker and upholsterer born in Bristol
1881 Chard cabinet maker and upholsterer (from advert)
1874/1875 Mrs Fras. Chard, straw hat maker
1874/1875 Edward Hill Chard, upholsterer
16 Broad Street
2008 Swan Stationery
1986 Swan Stationery
1960 Walter E Hodges, Greengrocer
1958 J.Jays Fruit and vegetable shop 1939 Albert Oaklet, confectioner
1935 Albert Oatley, fruiterer
1891 Henry Lovell, Plumber and Glazier
1881 Henry William Lovell, Plumber and Glazier Ilminster
18 Broad Street
2008 Cathedral Brides
? Hill House Hammond
1960 South Western Gas Board, show room
1914 Reginald E Brown, Insurance agent
1891 Elizabeth Gerrard living on own means
1874/1875 Charles Edward Boon, Goods manager S.&D.RY No 18a
1960 Wells Studio, private and commercial photographers
31 Broad Street
2008 Ron Thomson Carpets
2007 Bike City
2004 Bike City At some point, Wells City Garage then Sampsons Garage
1881 Joseph Johnson, Baker
29 Broad Street
2008 The Silver Studio
? Wells City Garage then Sampsons Garage
1920 Wells City Garage
1914 Charles Thomas Jewell, motor engineer
1881, 1891, 1901 and 1903 Joseph Johnson, confectioner, baker and grocer
27 Broad Street
2008 Pickwicks
1901 Sarah Bown, living on own means
1891 John Bown, General Labourer
25 Broad Street
2008 Pickwicks
1956 Arthur Board, boots and shoes (from advert)
1939 Tom Ford, bootmaker
1914 Hugh Hansell, sanitary inspector AND Charles Pursey, surveyor
1901 Emily Rice, publican
1891 Foresters Arms, William Padfield, beer house keeper
1881 Foresters Arms, John Wilton, cordwainer and innkeeper
1869 Cross Keys
23 Broad Street
2008 National Schoolwear
2004 Bookbarn This was all rebuilt in about 1990.
1935 Thomas George Bowles, basket maker
1919 Thomas George Bowles, basket maker
1914 Thomas George Bowles, basket maker
1903 Thomas George Bowles, basket maker
1901 Thomas George Bowles
21 Broad Street
2008 J W Stait & Co.
1919 Ancient Order of Druids (George Wilcox sec)
1914 Ancient Order of Druids (George Tyte sec)
1901 Mary Jane Bedford, Charwoman
1891 John Wood?, Evangelist
1881 Broad Street Court
19 Broad Street
2008 Cooper and Tanner This building was built about 2000. Prior to that it was part of Sampsons garage; the Ford show room
1920’s Sampsons Garage
1901 Harry Dredge, Carpenter
1891 William Lovelace, Cordwainer
1881 William Robert Lovelace
17 Broad Street
2008 Da Luciano Pizza Bar
2004 Raso’s Fish and Chips
1980’s Chip shop
1963 Laver and son, estate agent
1960 Mrs FL Talbot, fish caterer (Talbots)
1939 Florence Talbot, fried fish
1919 Dennis, Elizabeth and Sabina, dressmakers
1914 Dennis, Elizabeth and Sabina, dressmakers
1901 Joseph Dennis, carpenter
1891 John Cattel, railway platemaker and grocer
1881 Robert Cattell, wheelwright
15 Broad Street
2008 Da Luciano Pizza Bar
1939 Frank Wookey, draper
1914 and 1919 William Henry Brown, tobacconist
13 Broad Street
2008 G J’s Salon of Hair Design
1969 Richards of Wells, butcher
1960 H Richards and sons, plumbers and engineers
1939 Angel Inn
1935 WHP Reginald Martin, beer retailer
1919 Alma Ashman, beer retailer
1914 Frank Wills Valentine, beer retailer
1901 William Oakes, publican
1891 Angel Inn, ? Brooke, butcher and innkeeper
1881 Angel Inn, Edward Collins, butcher and innkeeper
11 Broad Street
2008 Frontline
1969 Bernard of Mayfair, hair stylists
1939 S Hill and son, builders
1901, 1914 and 1919 Frederick S Webb, builder
1891 Frederick S Webb, undertaker (from advert)
1881 William Richard, basket maker
9 Broad Street
2008 Alder King
2004 Bradford and Bingley ? Cooper and Tanner
? Black Horse Estate Agents
1970 Abbot and Frost, estate agents, valuers and auctioneers (from advert)
1939 Buxton and Son, boot repairers
1935 A Buxton and Son, boot repairers
1919 Alfred Ernest David, window cleaner
1881, 1891 and 1901 James Dredge, shoe maker
7 Broad Street
2008 Alder King
1960’s Men’s boutique?
1939 Milton Hose, fruiterer
1919 John Isaac, outfitter
1914 James Dredge, bootmaker
5 Broad Street
2008 Basil Powell House of Shoes
1939 George and son, bootmakers
1901 Matilda Trudgeon, boot repair shop
1891 William Trudgeon, shoemaker
1881 Eliza Thorne, seamstress
3 Broad Street
2008 Basil Powell House of Shoes
1969 Basil Powell
1950’s Peter Lords Clarke’s Shoes
1939 George and son, bootmakers
1914 Matilda Trudgeon, boot repair shop AND Matthew Joy, watch maker
1 Broad Street
2008 Basil Powell House of Shoes
1969 Basil Powell
1961 (or 1861?) Lions Boot Store
1950’s Peter Lords Clarke’s Shoes
1939 Gladys Bound, grocer
1914, 1919 and 1939 George and son, bootmakers
1881 and 1891 John George, bootmaker
1961 Lions Boot Store
