We're delighted to say that our new book is now out, available to buy in local shops and from Clements Hall, at a cost of £5. Entitled Bishy Road: a York shopping street in time, it shows how some of our shops have accommodated the same trades for over a hundred years, while some reflect shopping trends as they changed over the twentieth century. We do know that people have very fond memories of the street.
We were very grateful to be supported in this venture by Bishopthorpe Road Traders Association, by the Micklegate Ward Fund, by the Noel Goddard Terry Charitable Trust, and the Yorkshire Architectural and York Archaeological Society (YAYAS). The proceeds from sales will enable us to develop our researches into the history of shops along Nunnery Lane, in Clementhorpe, and in South Bank. Our aim is to produce further publications focusing on those areas.
The book includes a brief history of each of the premises along Bishy Road and the businesses trading from them, with stories from customers and newspaper reports. There are over 60 photographs and some maps, together with excerpts from interviews with traders and from our memory wall. (Follow this link for updates since publication).
Stockists: Pextons, Frankie and Johnny's Cookshop, and The Trafalgar Bay on Nunnery Lane. Price £5. STOP PRESS This publication is now out of print, with just a few copies left at stockists.
If you are unable to get to York, we can supply by post, email us for costs etc at clemhallhistory@gmail.com for details.
Some have carried out the same type of business for over 100 years, such as the butcher’s and the fruit shop (Fruitique). There has been a fish shop since 1911, and the chemist (formerly Sherwin’s) dates from 1901.
Many were private houses, for example Pextons appears to have been private till around 1921, when it was listed as Watson’s cycle repairers. It became Pextons (cycles and radio) in 1935, then changed to hardware in 1953.
There were two Chinese laundries in the 1930s (2a Cycle Heaven and 8 Rainbow House).
We can see the development of multiple chains owned by large companies, such as Meadow Dairy (Age UK shop), and Eastman’s Butchers, which later became Dewhurst (Lal Quila). Interestingly in 1970s this shop was a second-hand dealer listed curiously as Whatmuff Junkit, Goodgrott and Bloggs.
If you go back to Our Shopping History you will find blog posts which provide more information about many of the shops.
