Chapter images
1. Burton St.
2. Sherrard St.
3. Leicester Rd.
4. South Parade
5. Market Place
6. Nottingham St.
7. Now & Then
'Remember Melton Mowbray' DVD
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Cost: £12.95
The Market Place gallery
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Description: A view along Market Place on one of the town's busy Cheese Fairs (some cheeses are stacked in the centre foreground). The building on the right was later replaced by Warners Cafe. On the left, the Post Office sign shows that it hasn't yet moved to the other side of the road. Behind it is the sign of the Black's Head Inn, sometimes called the Blackamoor's Head.
Approx date: 1885. Image ref: MM0501.
Description: The construction of the Warners Cafe building in 1883. It replaced a group of buildings known as the 'Large Table', which were originally stalls in the medieval market. Upstairs would be the cafe, with shops below selling vegetables, flowers, breads, confectionary and meats (including pork pies).
Approx date: 1883. Image ref: MM0502.
Description: A view along Market Place towards Sherrard Street in the distance. The building on the right is Warners Cafe (now occupied by Thomas Cook). The first-floor bay windows indicate that that the owners lived above their shops, and wanted to follow the fashion for a drawing room with bay windows.
Approx date: 1900. Image ref: MM0503.
Description: Some wonderful old street signs and posters in this view along Market Place, taken from its junction with Sherrard Street and Burton Street (signposted to the left). The Barnes Block is in the centre, with the market in front. The demolition of the Barnes Block in 1966 opened up this important part of the town centre.
Approx date: 1915. Image ref: MM0504.
Description: Market Place looking towards South Parade with the Barnes block in the left centre of the picture. Bramston Bros. grocers on the right have an impressive display of tinned goods, illustrating the fierce competition between town traders before national chains such as Home & Colonial, International and Maypole moved into Melton.
Approx date: 1900. Image ref: MM0505.
Description: A charming view of children playing in the Market Place, looking towards South Parade, with Warners Cafe on the right. Wing & Son, grocers and wine merchants, on the left is now occupied by WH Smith. Next is the People's Drapery Stores and then Branston Bros. Grocers. The small alleyway between the two buildings was until recently a fashion shop.
Approx date: 1900. Image ref: MM0506.
Description: A fine collection of cheeses on display in one of Melton's Cheese Fairs. On the left is the corner of the Barnes Block, with the entry into King Street in the centre. J Towne & Co. Stationers and Booksellers are to the left of King Street (this is one of their postcards). Wing & Son Grocers and Chemists on the right is today occupied by WH Smith.
Approx date: 1905. Image ref: MM0507.
Description: A view of Market Place South, probably taken during World War 1, with Warners Cafe (now Thomas Cook) on the left. On the right is W Pearce (clothier), then TB Hunt (fishmonger), Colin & Co. (butchers), FJ Moore (music dealer), EE Bailey (confectioner), and finally J Benton (watch-maker). This shop had been occupied by watch-makers from the 18th century.
Approx date: 1915. Image ref: MM0508.
Description: A view of the Market Place with Warners Cafe (now Thomas Cook) on the left. The hessian covers over the various stalls look fragile. The shops in the background along Market Place South are occupied by (from right to left) Weavers (drapery), Arthur Eagers (boot maker), and then Goddard Bros. (butchers).
Approx date: 1905. Image ref: MM0509.
Description: A view of the market during the early 1930s. Behind the stalls, the signs show the continuous change in shops along Market Place South. Walter Pearce, the gents' outfitters, still occupies the famous old building which was once the Swan Inn. Next-door, MacFisheries have taken over from TB Hunt. And the Melton Farmers Association is now in the shop previously owned by Collins & Co, the butchers.
Approx date: 1930. Image ref: MM0510.
Description: The corner of Market Place looking towards South Parade. The Barnes Block (demolished in 1966) is on the left. The printers and stationers, J Townes (this is one of their postcards), have moved from one side of King Street to the other, into the shop which is today WH Smith. Pearks Stores occupy their old premises; white aprons giving the clue that it has become a dairy.
Approx date: 1910. Image ref: MM0511.
Framed prints
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