Bridges of Accrington(Historical) - Page 8

katex · 10-08-2011, 00:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

...and the perfect symmetry of the windows and door, would suggest this was the intended frontage of the building, on Bridge Street, and not just the side of a shop on Little Blackburn Road.

But would the shop not be the frontage of the business ?

garinda · 10-08-2011, 00:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atarah

Oh, its all part of the same building Katex!
Once, a gentleman called Samuel Spencer lived there. He was born in Accrington in 1809 and became a Master Tailor. He reputedly founded the first business on these premises c1830, not long after the construction of "Little" Blackburn Road. Mr Spencer worked here most of his adult life and, according to the census returns, employed as many as 14 men and boys.
He lived above the shop with his wife Suzanna, 3 children and one domestic servant.
Not too sure of the date, (in last 10-15 years at a guess) but before the bridal shop used to be there, an "eating establishment" open there and after research by the owner, named it SAMUEL SPENCERS to keep the name of the original owner alive.

And ....as the photo shows, E.J. Riley's were there at one time too.

If it is late Georgian, circa 1830, it makes sense the front of the property would have been on Bridge Street.

Perhaps it turned, so to speak, with a front made on the gable end, as the importance of Little Blackburn Road grew commercially?

garinda · 10-08-2011, 00:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by katex

But would the shop not be the frontage of the business ?

Looking at it today, where the shop entrance is now, would have been the side of the property.

Visually, the front of the property is on Bridge Street.

Might be wrong.

Have a look, next time you're passing, and see what you thing.

We might all have tol march down from the Arden on Saturday, if we can't decide now.

garinda · 10-08-2011, 00:24

I was waiting to pick up some photos, and had my camera on me!

Why didn't I take a photograph?

Doh.

Atarah · 10-08-2011, 00:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

If it is late Georgian, circa 1830, it makes sense the front of the property would have been on Bridge Street.

Perhaps it turned, so to speak, with a front made on the gable end, as the importance of Little Blackburn Road grew commercially?

That makes absolute sense!

Here is a copy of an advert from a 1927 local newspaper showing E J Rileys

And ... here is something you might not know. Dont know if true, but ...the shop next door, ALTHAMS Travel Agents as we know it - apparently Althams started by selling tea in 1864, and then began taking their customers on trips. Thus began a travel agency which developed branches over a wide area, and continues today.

Atarah · 10-08-2011, 00:27

oops, forgot photo!! Here it is

garinda · 10-08-2011, 00:33

Fantastic!

When did it stop being E. J. Riley's?

I remember going in there as a young child in the late sixties.

Unless I dreamt it.

Fascinating about Altham's.

garinda · 10-08-2011, 00:40

Moderators - please feel free to move recent posts in this thread.

Thay are in the wrong place.

I did a search earlier, but perhaps this might be a more suitable place for the recent discussion?

http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...ton-49850.html

jaysay · 10-08-2011, 09:09

Well many thanks for reviving this thread, because now I remember where bridge street is, I had forgotten. I have been told that an Accy Webber can be found sat in his bus on bridge street most days at 1pm and was planning to say hello today, until I saw the weather forecast

hedman2003 · 10-08-2011, 10:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

Fantastic!

When did it stop being E. J. Riley's?

I remember going in there as a young child in the late sixties.

Unless I dreamt it.

Fascinating about Altham's.

I well remember it being E J Rileys I think it was probably early 70's when it closed down. Used to regularly visit to add to my subbuteo collection (which I still have in the loft somewhere)

garinda · 10-08-2011, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

If it is late Georgian, circa 1830, it makes sense the front of the property would have been on Bridge Street.

Perhaps it turned, so to speak, with a front made on the gable end, as the importance of Little Blackburn Road grew commercially?

Managed to take a few photographs today of the property in question.