78 & 78A High Street
This property was researched by John Thurston.
The first known occupant was Thomas Rayner, a Coach Trimmer/Saddler and Harness Maker. While he is known from a bastardy recognizance from as early as 1821 [ref: PUBZ3/5/87], we can only say with certainty that he was at No 78 from 1839 up to 1853.
John Rolls, a bookseller, takes over in 1854 and is on site until 1871. Frederic Hockliffe, also a bookseller, is listed in 1876 and is replaced in 1881 by William Hockliffe, obviously a relative, who is described as an annuitant.
In 1885 a change of use occurs with the shop becoming a tobacconists under William Henry Covington. He later trades as both a tobacconist and a toy shop up until 1924.
From 1915 onwards the shop is subdivided into No’s 78 and 78A and the premises are shared between a number of businesses including C M Scantlebury, a tobacconist (1915 – 1921), The Carlton Shoe Co (1922 – 1932), William Percy Mayo , a tobacconist (1925-1928), Harrison and Simmonds, tobacconists, (1929 - 1973), The District Supplies Ltd, Radio Dealers (1934 – 1938), J and F Stone, Wireless and Electrical Engineers (1939 - 1976) and Stanad, Stationers (1973 – 1974).
An individual, Hubert W Smith, is also listed from 1965 – 1974 whose Trade is unknown.
Latterly Colemans, Stationers, were on site from at least 2008 – 2022 and today Macro Mart, an Afro-Caribbean Grocery Store are the latest occupants.
Summary of Occupiers
c.1821/1839 – 1853: Thomas Rayner, a Coach Trimmer/Saddler and Harness Maker
1854 – 1871: John Rolls, New and 2nd Hand Bookseller
1876: Frederic Hockliffe, 2nd Hand Bookseller, Bookseller, Stationer and Book Binder
1881: William Hockliffe, Annuitant
1885 – 1924: William Henry Covington, Tobacconist and Toy Shop
1915 – 1921: C M Scantlebury, Tobacconist (78A)
1922 – 1932: The Carlton Shoe Co
1925 – 1928: William Percy Mayo, Tobacconist (78A)
1929 – 1973: Harrison and Simmonds, Tobacconists (78A)
1934 – 1938: The District Supplies Ltd, Radio Dealers
1939 – 1976: J and F Stone, Lighting and Radio, Ltd
1963 – 1974: Hubert W Smith, Trade Unknown (78A)
1973 – 1974: Stanad, Stationers
c.2008 – 2022: Colemans, Stationers and Art Supplies
2024: Macro Mart, Afro-Caribbean Grocery Store