109 High Street
This property was researched by John Thurston.
A sale document exists from 1799 which states that Mr Button, a Butcher, and Mr Eden, a farmer were living roughly on the site of what is todays 109 – 111 High Street. There is then no further documentation on occupation until 1871 when Eleanor Sim, a dealer in china, lace and Berlin wool, is living at No 107 – 109. She stays until around 1876.
William Smith, also a china dealer, is on site at No 109 from 1887 until 1911. He shares with Higgins and Sons Ltd, brewers, who occupy 109A High Street from probably 1903 – 1911.
In 1914 Samuel Clowes and Company, china dealers are sharing with Palmer and Company (109A), tobacconists and shipping agents. They stay until 1920 when Susannah A Ham, an antiques dealer, and John Thomas Osbourne (109A), a tobacconist are sharing. By 1924 Susannah Ham is in sole occupation.
In 1926 both 109 and 111 High Street are redeveloped for Barclays Bank Ltd who will remain in occupation up to the present day. During the period 1929 – 1965 they share the premises with the National Employers Mutual General Insurance Association Ltd (1930 – 1938) and Sun Insurance Co Ltd (1929 - 1965) who are both probably Barclays affiliated Companies.
While 109 – 111 High Street are patently used by Barclays, Kellys Directories from 1965 – 1976 gives the occupants as Robert Watson (1965-1973/4) and H Carroll (1976). While their trades are unknown they may possibly be living on site as Caretakers for Barclays.
Summary of Occupiers
1799: Mr Button, Butcher and Mr Eden, Farmer
1871 – 1876: Eleanor/Ellen Sim, Dealer in China, Lace and Berlin Wool
1887 – 1911: William Smith, China Dealer
1903 – 1911(?): Higgins and Sons Ltd, Brewers (109A)
1914 – 1915: Samuel Clowes, China Dealer
1914 – 1915: Palmer and Co, Tobacconist
1920 – 1925: Susannah A Ham, China and Antiques Dealer
1920 – 1923: John Thomas Osbourne, Tobacconist
1926 – 2024: Barclays Bank Ltd (No 109 – 111 High Street)
1929 – 1965: Sun Insurance Co Ltd
1930 – 1938: National Employers Mutual General Insurance Association Ltd
1966 – 1974: Robert Watson, trade Unknown but possibly an Employee/Caretaker for Barclays Bank
1976: H Carroll, trade Unknown but possibly an Employee/Caretaker for Barclays Bank