11 High Street

The earliest known business on site was Thomas Smith, a boot and shoemaker, who was present from 1823/4 until 1850. The shop was then taken over by his son, Charles Smith, until c.1854.

Next known occupant was Henry Adkin, a gunmaker, from Bungay, Suffolk, who took over the premises from 1861 – 1871. In his last year of occupation Directory entries show Adkin was sharing with John Brashier, a confectioner.

From around 1876 until 1925 No’s 11 and 13 were combined as one shop.

From 1876 possibly up to 1881 the shop was being run by Cherry and Gilpin, Drapers, Silk Mercers and Funeral Directors. Name changes then occur to Gilpin and Sloper from 1883 – 1887 and to William Gilpin in 1890/1.

The drapery business is then taken over by William Kirkbride who stays from 1892 until at least 1898. The next Draper on site is Arthur Field Pearmain who is present from 1900 – 1925. No 11 only is then taken over by the Belfast Linen Warehouse who are occupants from 1928 – 1976.

In recent times the building has been the High Street Dental Practice from at least 2008 until the present day.

Summary of Occupiers

1823/4 – 1850: Thomas Smith, Boot and Shoe Maker

1851 - ?1853/4: Charles Smith, Shoe Manufacturer

1861 – 1871: Henry Adkin, Gunmaker

1871: John Brashier, Confectioner

c.1876: No’s 11 and 13 run as one shop

1876 – c.1881: Cherry and Gilpin, Drapers, Silk Mercers, Funerals

1883 – 1887: Gilpin and Sloper, Drapers

1890/1: William Gilpin, Draper and Silk Mercer

1892 – 1898: William Kirkbride, Draper

1900 – 1925: Arthur Field Pearmain, Draper

1928 – 1976: Belfast Linen Warehouse, Drapers

2008 – 2024: High Street Dental Practice