14 Silver Street

This property was researched by John Thurston.

First mentioned in 1839 when William Roff, a confectioner and baker, was trading/, he stayed until at least 1847.  The next trader was Thomas Peers, originally listed as a carpenter and joiner, and then a butcher, who traded from both No 12 and No 14 Silver Street from 1850 – 1867.

(N. B. possibly a sublet, John Edwards, an Iron Bedstead Dealer and Bedding Manufacturer, is shown as a single entry in an 1861 Directory at No 14.)

In 1869 Charles Mann, a confectioner, is shown trading at both No 12 and No 14 up until 1901. The business stays within the family with Alfred Mann trading between 1902 – 1914/15 and George Wentworth Mann from at least 1920 – 1936.

The two buildings are then demolished in 1937 and rebuilt as Offices/”Windsor Chambers”.

A variety of Insurance businesses and Government offices share the buildings between 1947 – 1955 (see below)  while Lilley and Skinner, shoe dealers, are ever present at either No 12 or No’s 12 and 14 from 1940 – 1975 when Saxone, shoe dealers, take over.

From the early 1980’s until the present day the Halifax Building Society have been in the occupation of both addresses.       

Summary of Occupiers

1839 – 1847: William Roff, Confectioner and Baker

1850 – 1867: Thomas Peer, Carpenter and Joiner, and then a Butcher

1861: John Edwards, an Iron Bedstead Dealer and Bedding Manufacturer

1869 – 1936: Charles Mann, Alfred Mann, Mann and Co, and George Wentworth Mann, Confectioners

1937: No’s 12 and 14 Demolished and rebuilt

1940 – 1975: Lilley and Skinner Ltd, Boot and Shoe Makers (No’s 12 & 14 )

1976: Saxone, Shoe Dealers

1947 – 1952: (Windsor Chambers): Royal Liver Friendly Society

1947 – 1949/50: (Windsor Chambers): Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society

1947 – 1949/50: (Windsor Chambers): Bedfordshire War Agricultural Executive, Pests and Land Drainage

1952: (Windsor Chambers): Central Council of Physical Recreation

1952 – 1957: (Windsor Chambers): Midland Employers Mutual Assurance

1976: Saxone, Shoe Dealers

1980’s – To Date: Halifax Building Society