08th June 2024

Intriguing shop model goes on display

We’re very pleased to tell you that we now have a small display in the Explore York Library foyer. It features these beautiful scale models of the old shops at nos. 47 and 48 Hampden St in Bishophill. They were made to scale (1/72 or 00) by Stephen Coates, who lives in Bishophill. Together with some archival material they will be displayed there during June.

Stephen Coates with his model

Corner shops played an important role in the community in days gone by, and our latest book about Bishophill records these. 

47 Hampden St

This photo from Lynne Marston shows her young great-grandad (on the left), Henry Kendrew, outside the Acey cycle agent shop here, where he worked. This was probably taken around 1909, but sadly this fascinating shop was very short-lived before the family reverted to being milk dealers. The tandem is interesting as it has a double crossbar.

Cycling was all the range in York at the time, with many leisure cycling clubs and columns in the press about this new activity, which reached across all classes and supported a level of emancipation for women. Local stories reflect current concerns – bikes being stolen, and pedestrians not noticing bikes, leading to collisions.

48 Hampden St

This photo from Nick Sawyer shows the shop on the corner of Bishophill Senior around 1990. The shop dates from the early 1870s, with various traders. From the 1920s it was Charles Herbert Ardley general dealer, listed as a ‘scavenger ganger’, plumber-glazier, then selling second-hand clothes. It later became an antique shop until the 1990s, with a warehouse behind.

Bishophill and Skeldergate: exploring old shops, pubs and industries in York has 136 pages, and includes 124 photographs and maps. It is on sale at the Golden Ball in Cromwell Rd, Frankie and Johnny's Cookshop and Pextons Hardware on Bishy Road, and Explore York library, price £10.