Gosford Green

Until you mentioned it I had no idea any such square existed! It was originally called Court No.3: old-maps.co.uk After the war and much damage to the right side it was renamed Atkin's Square.

Before it was a snooker hall I believe it was a British/Civic restaurant

Really! Before my time, but it may explain the structure of the place, a sort of huge shed. I think it was demolished in about the mid 70s and there was just a concrete base remaining. Not sure if the base remains now. The only British Restaurant I can remember is the one at the Gas Showrooms in Corporation Street. I used to love being taken there by my mother when I was a child. Anyone know when it closed? I would guess early-mid 60s.

If you look at the plans the last house on the left in the square is where my fathers side of the family grew up, great to see these pics!!!!!

Hi Stevie, I knew the area well as I lived close by and went to St Mary's School. I had forgotten about the electrical shop in Paynes Lane. I remember going there with mum to get a new element for the iron, or for parts for the wireless. They sold just about every electrical spare part you could possibly need. In the 40s and 50s we repaired everything possible, we couldn't afford new. I also remember Riddes, the sweet shop/newsagents and the pet shop. If I remember right the hairdressers in the 60s was called Helen's. Mayjan can tell you a tale about a visit there.

Tricia, if you grew up round the area have you any memories of the square (Atkins) also if it was called court no3 was there courts 1 and 2 and was there a reason for them to be called 'courts'

Tricia would not be old enough to remember but Court No 2 is marked on pre-war maps as being immediately behind the White Lion. The dwellings were usually arranged either side of a courtyard, sometimes along only one side.

Thanks Dutchman. I feel old sometimes, but not that old!

I expect Tricia is referring to the time when I was about 15 years old and decided to dye my hair bright blonde from a mousey brown. I made an appointment at Helens Hairdressers in Paynes Lane and didn't tell any of my family what I was going to do. I always remember my Dad walking in from work looking at me and shaking his head saying "I never know what you will do next my girl". I remember very well the pet shop and the electrical shop,also a butchers further up,may have been on the corner of Oxford Street where my Gran lived. Do you recall Tricia when we had gone to get fish and chips from Reg Dixons Brothers chip shop,I think you were with me. A tiny mouse ran out in front of us and a man walking by stamped on it...not a pretty sight,quite put me off my dinner!

The electrical shop was called BROWNS RADIO, he was a brilliant electrical engineer I bought parts from him to make a 1 valve radio set. Next door was a petshop and neat to that was a wonderful Faggot and pea shop ooh o for that Friday night job again with a pudding basin which was filled to the brim.

My grandfather , Edward Atkins , was born in Atkins Square in 1897. I wonder if anyone can tell me if there is a link with the place name. Seems a coincidence.

The Atkins were a prominent family of silk weavers and (later) watchmakers so it's most likely the square was named after one of their businesses. As that area was predominantly weavers, I suspect the former.

Dutchman Thankyou so much for the information on the probable history of the name given to Atkins Square. I will investigate further!!

Another pic from Colin. Not sure where to put it but it does lead up to Gosford Green.

Hello Stevie, As a new member, I am responding to your first post about pictures of Atkins Square. I had a great grandfather who lived on Gosford Terrace in 1881. I have seen a couple of old postcards in books of the area but they don't really show Atkins Square. Mike Cremin's booklet has two pictures. But I have been looking at the Britain From Above web site and they have several views of the Britannia Mills on Paynes Lane with Atkins Square in a couple of the views. You have probably found the web site but, if not, I hope this is helpful... The Britain From Above is a wonderful site. I can see my mother's washing on the line in Mowbray Street, where her father lived in Gosford Street in 1891 and where his father died Oxford Street, in 1930. JonB