Hayward's of Earl Street

My great great grandfather George Hayward was a haberdasher and shirt maker in Earl Street, Coventry in 1863. Also I have an advert from 1904, they were making motor cycle wear. I want to find out more. Anybody help?

Hi, from earlier research I did on Earl St occupiers, I can tell you George H Hayward appears as a hosier at number 3 in the 1871 census age 35, also in the 1874 directory, and in the 1881 census. At that address in 1861 was Edward Downing, also a hosier and in the 1903 directory I couldn't find the address. I hope that helps. You probably know he was born 15th Feb 1836 in Coventry, son of George senior and Hannah.

Hi thanks for that. George is the son, my great great grandparents were George Hayward and Hannah Spencer. Yes on my records he is hosier and shirt maker, 3 Earl Street, so it ties up. I think Downing must have had the shop first and the Hayward's took it over? Best regards, Alan

As far as I know there is no front view of number 3 but I think the right hand side of this double gabled building is the rear.

Is that from BFA Helen?

No Neil, it's from a larger picture from the Library showing the demolition for the Council House. Search aerial view and it's number 4 I think.

Hello and excuse me for butting in. Here's an entry for the 1840 Coventry directory.

As a former customer of Haywards, it was a great thing for a boy of eleven to be taken there to be fitted up with his first long trouser suit. In those far of days of the 1950s boys wore short trousers until they went to a grammar or secondary school. Hawards was the preferred outfitter of my parents.

The 1933 Telephone Directory lists Hayward and Son, hatters etc., in Broadgate In 1939, it's outfitters etc., at 16 Broadgate 1946 sees them as gents' outfitters etc., at 51 Hertford Street

From the Midland Daily Telegraph 5th June 1934. Hope you can read it.

Would you think the Haywards you went to in the 1950s was a old Coventry company - I am trying to tie them In with Haywards in Earl Street in 1863

Was this the shop tucked into the Hertford St. entrance of the Nat Prov Bank? If so, that`s where I used to buy my Grammar School Old Boys ties,mscarves, cuff links etc (I`ve still got 1/2 a cufflink pair)

Roger, did they sell the Armed Services badges as well. A friend gave me one showing the Royal Army Medical Corps many years ago. He was completing his National Service at the time and bought me that and told me I was not to sew it on any garment till after he had completed his two years. I am sure you are talking about the same shop at the bottom end of Hertford St. I know there was an Arthur Hammon on the corner of the Burges.

I have record in 1850s, they were in Earl Street, hosier, glover and shirt maker, and you could buy the Earl Street shirt 6 for 45 shillings. In 1902 they had moved on to keep up with the times and were selling cycling coats, hats and gloves etc. Thanks for everybody's help, it is helping with my research. I believe most of Earl Street was redeveloped in the 1920s - can any body confirm this? Alan

Hi, that's fantastic and is very helpful. Yes, it is small - could I ask you to be kind enough to email it to me, it would be very helpful. Regards, Alan