12 Silver Street

This property was researched by John Thurston.

Possibly the first occupant was John Harding, a baker, who was in the area from the 1820’s and whose family are shown on the 1841 Census.

From 1850 Thomas Peer, shown originally as a carpenter and joiner but from 1853 working as a butcher, was present with his family. They stayed until around 1869 when George King Chennel(l)s took over the butcher’s business.

The following occupant was William Breeze, a corn dealer, who operated from 1881 – 1887. Next were the Mann Family (Charles, Alfred and George Wentworth), confectioners, who were in business at both No's 12 and 14 from 1890 until 1936 when the premises were demolished and rebuilt.

The Premier Provision Stores were shown for a single year, 1938, before Lilley and Skinner Ltd, boot and shoemakers, took over at No’s 12 and 14 from 1939 until 1975. A change of name occurred in 1976 when Saxone took charge.

In recent times the Halifax Building Society and The Body Shop have been present.

Summary of Occupiers

1820 – 1841: John Harding and family, Bakers

1850 – 1869: Thomas Peer, Carpenter and Joiner then Butcher

1871 – 1877: George King Chennel(l)s, Butcher

1881 – 1887: William Breeze, Corn Dealer

1890 – 1936: Mann Family (Charles Mann, Alfred Mann, Mann & Co, George Wentworth Mann), Confectioners

1937: Premises demolished and rebuilt

1938: Premier Provision Stores

1939 – 1975: Lilley and Skinner Ltd, Boot and Shoemakers

1976: Saxone, Boot and Shoe dealers   

Early 1980’s: Halifax Building Society

2018 – 2024: The Body Shop, Cosmetics