8 Mill Street

This property was researched by John Thurston.

The first confirmed occupant was William Frederick Darrington, a butcher, who was trading from at least 1861 until 1890. (N.B. possible predecessors were Richard and Anna Maria Mastin, also butchers, trading from Mill Street but address unknown from at least 1839 – 1854). Darrington was succeeded by Cole and Key and then Charles Cole solely, butchers, from 1892 - 1897.

James Bogg Rothwell, a Ticket Writer, took over in 1898 staying until 1902. In 1901 he was joined by William Andrews Dewell, trading as “The Grotto”, confectioners, who was present until 1932.

During this period the premises were also shared by several businesses and tenants including Archibald Careless, tailor, H Burt and Son, printers, A Ray and Co, Stock and Share Brokers, and Alfred Boutall and Co, Commission Agents.

In 1934 “The Grotto” was taken over by George Mann while Henry Burt and Son were still sharing the premises. From 1947, Burt and Son became the sole traders at both 8 and 10 Mill Street staying until 1965.

The building was next occupied in 1970/71 by the Sue Ryder Appeal, Charity Shop, who traded on the site until at least 1976. In recent times, from 2009 – 2024, No 8 and No 8A have been occupied respectively by Split Enz, Hairdressers, and Mem Recruitment Agency.   

Summary of Occupiers

1839 – 1854: (Speculative). Richard Mastin Junior/Anna Maria Mastin, Butchers

1861 – 1890: William Frederick Darrington, Butcher

1892 – 1894: Cole and Key, Butchers

1897: Charles Cole, Butcher

1898 – 1902: James Bogg Rothwell, Ticket Writer

1901 – 1932: W Andrews Dewell, “The Grotto”, Confectioner

1908: Archibald Careless, Tailor

1910 – 1965: 8A then 8 then 8 – 10,  H Burt and Son, Printers

1910 – 1911: 8A T Harley Jones, Solicitor

1911: O Gray and Co, Stock and Share Brokers

1914 – 1915: Alfred Boutall and Co, Commission Agents

1920 – 1929: A Ray and Co, Stock and Share Brokers

1920/21: Mrs Lucy Nipond Mawson, ? Tenant

1922 – 1923: Walter Ernest Green, ? Tenant

1930: Ernest Edgar Rowe, Tailor

1934 – 1940: George Mann, “The Grotto”, Confectioner

1966 – 1969/70: Empty

1970/71 – 1976: Sue Ryder Appeal, Charity Shop

2009 – 2024: Split Enz, Hairdressers

2009 – 2024: 8A Mem Recruitment Agency