Numbers 125, 126, 127 and 128. No. 126 was built c1827 but by 1908, Althams Ltd demolished ‘Luton House’ and erected a new terracotta building which still stands today. Since 1996, No.125 and 126 have been combined. No. 128 has housed businesses from habadashers to plumbing and hairdressing to jewellers. From 1855-1877, No 129 was Clough Grocers, on the front of the building was a large ornamented green canister with black and gold lettering, similar to those found inside a grocers of that period.
Is Shoefare (Althams) in the High Street a single story building?
I remember waiting for the bus at one of these stops outside natwestablished bank.
I can’t believe nobody has mentioned the elaborate ship design on the building (Shoefayre)!
Found these details for 126 High Street:
Dates Occupier (Trade)
1827 William Gent (Grocer and Tea Dealer)
1841 – 48 William Allan (Grocer, Tea Dealer and Ironmonger)
1851 – 58 John Waters (Confectioner)
1859 – 68 Henry Norrill (Confectioner, Fancy Biscuits and Refreshment Rooms)
1871 – 81 Martin & Pearson (Drapers, Milliners and Dressmakers)
[Luton House demolished 1908)] by Altham Ltd
1894 – 1968 Altham Ltd. (Grocers and Tea Dealers)
1968 – 95 Shoefayre (Footwear)
1972 – Present Nobles (Amusement Arcade)
This, the only single-storey shop in High Street, was a Maypole dairy in 1956
Thanks Peter.
The Maypole Dairy was next door at No. 127.
1896 – 1963 Maypole Dairy Co. (Dairy and Tea)
Other single storey buildings on the High Street were The Shambles and Wolseys.
Wasn’t the shop that boasts the “Shoefayre” sign originally Gallons or the Galleon grocery store akin to Maypole or Home and Colonial?
I believe it was the Galleon grocery Store, but which came first – the tile design or the name?