4 Silver Street

This property was researched by John Thurston.

While very little information and history has been found on Numbers 2 – 6 Silver Street on the south side of Silver Street this can probably be attributed to the fact that the Old George Inn, a 15th/16th Century building nominally on the High Street had an archway and entrance onto Silver Street which encompassed this area.

The first reference we have occurs around 1841 when William Robinson, a grocer and tea dealer, is believed to have been in business. However, around the same time John Mantel, a Hairdresser and Bird Stuffer, is an alternative candidate who may have been living at No 4 and was almost certainly living there in 1851.

The picture becomes clearer from 1861 when Joel Horatio Carter, a printer, bookseller, librarian, newsagent and auctioneer, is on site at both No 4 and No 6 until at least 1871. Frederick H Johnson takes over in a similar role in 1876.

From 1881 William Enoch Draper, an outfitter and Boot Dealer, was at No 4 and along with his brother, John Draper was running the business from 1890 at both No 4 and No 2. The business would then continue at both addresses until 1936.

From 1938 until 1972/73 E P Rose, Drapers and latterly Department Store Owners, were on site before Debenhams became the named owners in 1973/74. The site has now become vacant from 2023.

Summary of Occupiers

1841: ? William Robinson, Grocer and Tea Dealer

1847 – 1856: William Robinson, Grocer & Tea Dealer OR John Mantel/Mantle Hairdresser & Bird Stuffer

1861 – 1871: Joel Horatio Carter, Printer, Bookseller, Library, Newsagent, Auctioneer

1876: Frederick H Hohnson, Printer, Bookseller, Stationer, Paper Hanger, Music Seller, Newsagent

1881: ? Frederick Eastwell, an ostler (Nominally No 2 George Yard)

1885 – 1936: William Enoch Draper & John Draper, Outfitters & Boot & Shoe Dealers

1938 – 1972/3: E P Rose and Son, Drapers/Costumiers and then Department Store

1973/4 – 2021: Debenhams, Department Store