Fleet Street

I worked at 'The Supreme Gent's Hairdressers' from 1958 until the mid-1960's, when the business had to relocate to the City Arcade due to the re-development project. The address was No. 19 Fleet Street and as shown on a plan submitted on the Forum relating to 'Mary Hobley's Ladies Salon', it seemed to have been apportioned from part of AAT's property, we seemed to have followed on from Mary Hobley and our barbershop was upstairs and accessed from stairs between Mr Tucker's haberdashery shop and AAT's shop. In my memory, on our side of the street, we had the George IV, (the publican, called 'Barney', kept a Staffs Bull terrier that had a striking resemblance to his good self, Barney went to keep a pub by the railway (is it the Rocket now?)) when the street was re-developed. Anyhow, I digress! Then there was Mr Edward Tucker, the haberdasher, then ours, AAT's, Mr Rimmer, the newsagent, a shop we called 'The Rubber Shop', I never went in so can't say what that was all about, The Copper Kettle Cafe, I think then was Conduit Yard (it was certainly wide enough for a vehicle to drive through), John Britons shoe shop was after the Yard opening. I do recall Palmers, the pork butchers with its lovely home-made pork pies for 10 old pence each! That was before Hunt's the bakers were there. So lots of businesses and unfortunately no photographs. Hope someone finds some.

Yes, dear old Jack Rimmer, a smashing man, lived on Michaelmas Road, good pal of my grandad What about Saxess (Mrs Tribe), wasn't that shop along there too?

Yes, I do remember Mr Rimmer, he was a tall man, moustache, wore a Trilby and drove a German car, a Javelin as I recall. I thought I had a good memory but I can't recall the 'Saxess', someone said it was a pram shop, if that was the case, I was only young, and probably was more interested in the pork pie shop than the prams!

I think you're right, about Saxess being a pram shop, I think it sold other baby goods as well. It's become clear that what I was remembering, the pub, was the Geo IV - but I don't remember it having the "black and white" mock Tudor effect that is on the few photos I've seen. But I haven't seen a decent photo of it - indeed, none of all of it. Do you remember, Foxcote, if the "black" fake wood bits were removed by the time I remember it, from about 1950 on? It always struck me as awfully stark and scruffy, and that's main reason for me remembering it!! Your recalling the other shops brought some memories back, too. Such a long time ago, now.

Yes, Saxess was a pram shop - they also had an outlet on Clay Lane at the corner of Richmond Street Lily Tribe Jack Rimmer certainly was tall with a moustache, and I can recall he drove a Jowett Javelin

I am pleased that you enjoyed my trip down Memory Lane, I have to say that I am certain that the facade was always there, in fact if you check that photo again on the forum of the Geroge IV, the cars on the front was from the era when I was working there.

What a woman Lily was, thanks for enlightening me on one of the Fleet Street characters!

Really interesting shot from Fleet Street/Hill Street junction looking up as the Precinct is developed. You can see the BHS building - all before Lower Precinct has been developed.

Brilliant that, Neil - I can remember it like that Never thought I'd see Saxess again

Good find Neil That's the first picture I've seen of the temporary Co-op. The four units from left to right are butcher's, florist's, seed merchant and greengrocer's. The stalls dead-centre of the photo I christened the "horseshoe market" from the shape they make when viewed from above.

Fleet Street maybe?

Yes, indeed - looking towards Smithford Street Great image, not seen one with such clarity before

Just looking through the British newspaper archives, nothing on the TV again! An interesting look at some buildings in Fleet Street just before they are demolished. I think that is the Co-op building you can just see in the background, March 1940.

Another gem. You and Neil are competing for picture hunter of the year again