60 High Street

This property was researched by John Thurston 

First occupation known around 1830 when Benjamin Clifton, a corn merchant, is trading there. The 1861 census shows the property uninhabited with Clifton living next door at No 62. From 1862 John Barrand, a China Glass and earthenware dealer, takes over. Arthur Jelley, a grocer, is shown on an 1869 Directory while Thomas Peck Hill and Family, also Grocers, appear on the 1871 Census.

Around this time the premises become a butchers under Barnard Davis who stays until at least 1904. From 1907 Eastmans Ltd, also butchers, are trading. The sale of the premises, along with the Chequers Inn next door at No 58, takes place around 1911.

H.W Covington, a confectioner, takes ownership of No 60 and remains until 1921. The new owners in 1922 are Messrs Westbrooks, trading as The Chocolate Shop. In 1928 Miss Edith Wise takes over trading under the same name as a confectioner. In 1934 a change of use occurs when The Health Stores take over the proprietress being Miss Winifred Needles. The premises appear to be empty in 1938 but are taken over the next year by J Lyon and Co Ltd as a Tea Room/Restaurant. They remain for the next 37 years until 1975.

In later years the site has been used as a hairdresser (Macgregor 2008 – 2019) but from 2020 appears to be used solely as offices.  

Summary of Occupiers

c.1830 – 1861: Benjamin Clifton, Corn and Flour Dealer

1862 – 1864: John Barrand, China Glass and Earthenware Dealer

1869: Arthur Jelley, Grocer

1871: Thomas Peck Hill, Grocer

1871: Barnard with Charles Davis (? Brother or Son), Butchers

1871 – 1904: Barnard Davis, Butcher

1907 – 1911: Eastmans Ltd, Butchers

1911 – 1921: Harry Wallace Covington, Confectioner

1922 – 1926: Messrs Westbrooks, The Chocolate Shop

1928 – 1932: Miss Edith Wise, The Chocolate Shop

1934 – 1936: The Health Stores, Miss Winifred Needles Proprietress

1939 – 1975: J Lyon and Co Ltd, Tearooms and Restaurant

2008 – 2019: Macgregor, Hairdressers