E Sykes - Bookseller

A while ago I purchase a shoe box full of old postcards. On sorting them, there are a few that are addressed to Mr E F Sykes, Bookseller, 12 Jesson Street, Coventry. There are also some addressed to 29 White Street, Coventry. One gives his middle names as Ernest Francis. Cards are dated 1935 and 1937. Can anyone shed any light on this guy and his shop?

Not on him especially, but I was in the same class at Folly Lane (Gosford Park) as the Sykes twins, Peter and Paul. Their father owned a hairdresser's establishment on Binley Rd, fairly close to Far Gosford St end. Probably nearer Gulson Rd. Not sure if they lived above the shop. Perhaps your Sykes was a grandfather or uncle?

I have found that Jesson Street and White Street were both constructed in 1848. White Street still appears to be there, but not Jesson Street

I remember Peter and Paul Sykes from attending All Saints church in Far Gosford St where I was in the choir. Mr Sykes actually had a chiropodists in Binley Rd, I think it was next to Woodheads the florist. The family lived at no. 28 Binley Rd in a large detached white house. Peter and Paul both went to Bablake school.

Here you go...

Thanks MR. Seems a very short street, wonder if Sykes sold books from his house or a shop that he lived above? I notice from todays maps that Bird Street and Norton Street have now been lost?

1939 Register 12 Jesson Street Sykes Ernest F b.6 Oct 1892 Book dealer & Tobacconist Builders Agent Clerk & Ac...... Sykes Elsie A b.4 Jun 1885 They are brother and sister, not husband and wife Ernest died in 1997 at the grand old age of 105 This article from 1971 gives some interesting information about Ernest, and refers to his "shop"

Some more, fascinating, information here

Thanks again MR. Great information!! Appears that he kept himself busy when he wasn't selling books!

Though I did not go to Bablake like Peter and Paul Sykes, I knew them well as they were in my class at Folly Lane Junior School which became Gosford Park in our time there (1949- 54). I often wonder what became of them and did they stay in Coventry? If you are able, please convey my best regards. Graham Whitehead.