Fore Street in 1921 even numbers

The West end of Fore Street

The West end of Fore Street was split into two, the north part running into The Wash and the southern part running into Castle Street.  Between these two sections of road was a building block which was pulled down and replaced by the war memorial unveiled in November 1921. By June when the census occurred the traders had moved to other premises, see below for the ones that have been identified.

O.E. Bruton’s clothiers on the right before the block was demolished to make way for the war memorial

D_EP_F654_Hertford_War_memorial_booklet_.jpg

The street was re-numbered in 1932, e.g Norris & Duvall’s office became 102 from being numbered 60 in 1921.

Here is a table showing the owners/managers or residents of the even numbered establishments  (south side) in Fore Street in 1911 & 1921.

Below the table is more detail about the residents.

Detail

People who had lived or had their businesses at numbers 2 – 6.

Robert Harding who had run is printing and stationery shop at  number 2 had moved his business to 47, Fore Street. He described himself as a printer, bookseller, law stationer, die stamper & advertisement contractor.

Tailor, Charles David Fountain who had also run his business at number 2 now lived at 34, Queen’s Road.` In 1918 he was based at 10, Castle Street but later moved to 1, Railway Street. He lived at Roydon for a few years before moving to 88, North Road by 1926 where he was living when he died on 4th April 1950 at the age of 75. He left £5 to Mabel Alice, his wife.

However, 1922 Kelly’s Directory along with subsequent ones list Simson & Co Limited, printers, booksellers, die stampers & envelope manufacturers & proprietors of the ‘Hertfordshire Record’ newspaper still at 2& 4 Fore Sreet.

Alick Grey Thorowgood, 63, auctioneer & surveyor, from number 4, now lived at 22, Wellington Street, Bengeo with Ann Eliza, his wife and their family. Alick died in 1926 at the age of 70.

Oliver Ernest Bruton, 59, who had run his tailor’s outfitters from both numbers 6 & 12, was now totally based at number 12, see below.

Wallace North, 42, who had run his business from number 6 was now based at 26, St Andrew Street, described himself as a motor expert and engineer and worked for Messrs Skipp Brothers, motor traders of High Street, Ware. Diana, 45, his wife kept house.  Lilian M, 20, their daughter was a pianist at The Cinema, Market Street owned by H Skipp. Margarita, 13, their other daughter was still in full-time education.

There is no information on Alfred Scivener, 35, who had lived at and had his hardware store at number 6a.

Harry Ilott Harry, 46, watch maker, still lived at number 8 with Lillie May, 48, his sister. Ellen Louisa Bright, 29, was their domestic servant.

According to Kelly’s Directory, William John Morris, 46, still ran his house furnishers business from number 10 although in the census he now lived at 35, Railway Street with Augusta, 51, his wife and he was working ass a carman for McMullen Brewery. Ada Elizabeth, 26, was an out-of-work domestic servant; Rose Florence, 18, was a ‘day girl’, presumably a domestic servant, at Christ’s Hospital; 13 years old twins Michael Edward and Violet May were still in full-time education.  Grand children James Henry, 7, born in Broadwater, Stevenage and Ada May born in Hertford were living with them.

Oliver Ernest Bruton, 59, ran his tailor’s outfitters at number 12 although he lived at 47 Ware Road with Lily Amelia, 53, his wife and Caroline Shillito, 77, a widow from Dublin.  Edith Oliver, 24, from Buntingford was the domestic servant. Ernest had previously run his business at numbers 6 & 12.

Field & Marks shop on the right

At number 14 still lived Alice Marks, 61.  She employed Percy E Hodges, 41, from Woolwich, as the jeweller and Alice Marjorie Love, 34, from Littleport, Cambridgeshire, as a shop assistant.  They were looked after by Lizzie Ann Bryant, 61, born in Salisbury.

Thomas Ramsey Turner, 37, originally from Rugeley, Staffordshire , was the proprietor of the ironmongery shop at number 18. The business was owned by Ekins & Co Ltd based at Great Northern Station Road.

At number 20 Edward Perry, 57, was now the proprietor of Salisbury Arms Hotel supported by Elizabeth, 59, his wife.  Edward hailed from Rotherhythe, London whilst Elizabeth came from Fisherton, the older neighbour of Salisbury, Wiltshire. No one is listed as staying at the hotel on the evening of the census.

Bertie Harry Cull ran a confectionery shop at number 22. This was presumably a lock-up shop since he lived at 65, Ware Road. He was also the deputy registrar of marriages.

Lizzie Law, 49, lived at number 22A along with Rosie head, 23, her companion helper.  Lizzie was a dressmaker who hailed from Berkhamstead whilst Rosie came from Chipping, North East Hertfordshire.  Kelly’s Directory 1922 lists Miss Law as living at 1 Church Street.  The dwelling was on the corner of Fore & Church Streets.

At number 28, Midland Bank Chambers, Reginald Langdon Bone, 30, had a tailor’s shop.  He does not appear in the 1921 census but according to the 1922 Electoral Role, he lived at 1, Trinity Road, Ware.

East Herts Sub-Committee War Pensions, Captain Douglas Arden Burgess, 36, District Chairman, was also based at Midland Bank Chambers,  at number 28. Captain Burgess lived at 5, Bengeo Street and was a partner in Small & Burgess, drapers at 51 Fore Street.

Bates Brothers Advert, Kelly’s Directory 1922

Bates Brothers at number 30 was owned by Frederick Bates, 64, who lived at Pensarn, 28 Queens Road along with Amy Caroline, 53, his wife and Cyril Frederick, 20, their son, who ran the shop.  Frederick was born in Pertenhall, Beds, whilst Amy hailed from Wolverton, Bucks and Cyril was born in Brighton.

Sarah Acers, 67, was the caretaker for Bates Brothers at number 30.  In 1911 she had been housekeeper to Thomas Bates.  Albert E Acers, 36, her son was a soldier.  Albert Edward Akers, her son is listed in the 1921 census as being a soldier.  He was born on 25th July 1887 and on 2nd October, baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Bengeo.  Albert served in WW1 as a private in the Northamptonshire Regiment, gaining the Britain, Campaign, Gallantry & Long Service Medals & Awards.  Cyril Arthur Luckin, S-Sgt, RE, is listed in the electoral roll but not the census.

Mr Webb’s shop trading under the name of Partridge & Webb

The Webbs still lived and worked at number 32, Midland Bank Chambers.  Henry John, 54, was the boot maker whilst Emily, 56, ran an antiques business.  Una Partridge Webb, their 14 years old daughter was still at school. Irene Rhoda Partridge Dolton, their 18 years old daughter also lived with them along with Reginald Arthur, 26, her husband and Malcolm Reginald, their one year old son who was born in New York.  They had two boarders, Captain Cecil Vivian Staveley Jackson, 34, Royal Engineers from Woolwich, London and Walter Alfred Church, 23, from London, a department manager at Webb & Co, chamois leather manufacturer at Hornsmill, Hertford. The Webbs employed Emily White, from London as a servant.

Reginald Arthur Dolton was a bank clerk with Frederick Huth & Co. Tokenhouse Yard, London, although he was described as a commission agent in Kelly’s Directory.  He and Irene were married on 18th September, 1919 at St Andrew’s Church.

Arthur John Sheffield, 63, was still running his dispensing and family chemist shop at number 34, although he lived at 18, Queens Road with his family. In Kelly’s Directory for 1922, the entry reads Sheffield  Arthur J, dispensing chemists (formally with Messrs. Squires, His Majesty’s chemists) aerated water  manufacturer & photographic apparatus dealer.  Arthur & Gertrude, 63, his wife, both hailed from Beverley, Yorkshire, where they were married in 1889.  George Sigsworth, 31, their son was also a pharmacist with Gertrude Ursula, 28, their daughter was a commercial artist.  Both children were born in Hull.  Annie Green, 61, Gertrude’s sister, also from Beverley, a retired principal of a private school was also living at 34.  Ellen Saville, 31, from Barkway,  was the general servant. Unfortunately, Arthur died on 22nd January, 1922 leaving £1314 18s 6d to George. Gertrude died on 31st January the following year.

Above the chemist shop, at number 34A, lived Emily Wilsmore Davies, 44, from Harwich, Essex.  She lived with her two daughters, Elsie Ann Harvey, 23, who was a shorthand typist for HCC at 28, Castle Street and Irene Winifred Davies, 8.  Alice Mary Hussey, 42, an out of work companion was visiting on the night of the census. harold Godwin Bayliss, 24, was boarding with the family. Harold came fro Hemel Hempstead and was a clerk along the road at Barclay’s Bank.

Martin William Farrow, 46, was continuing the refreshment room & confectionary at number 36, still under the name of his mother, S L Farrow.  Annie Millicent, 42, his wife,who came from Ruthin, Denbighshire, looked after their three children Thora Mary, 11, Cissy Eileen, 8, and Silvia Millicent, 3 as well as Martin.  Fanny Selina Sell, 53, martin’s sister helped in the shop. Sarah Louise is listed on the electoral roll at number 36 but her name does not appear in the census.  When Sarah died in 1939 she was living at 22, Queen’s Road.

At number 38, what had been Capital & Counties Bank in 1911, had become Lloyds Bank with Charles Beldam Diver, 45, as manager. Charles who lived above the bank, hailed form Cambridge whilst Kate, 44, his wife was from Uxbridge.  Barbara Mary, 8, their daughter was born in Bishop’s Stortford.  Dorothy Brunsden, 20, from Paddington, was their general domestic servant.

Arthur Exton Bunning, 39, was assistant bank manager at Barclays Bank, number 40. he lived above the bank with Elsie Mary, 36, his wife and their two children, Robert Henry, 12 and Barbara Exton, 7, both Hertford born; Alice Enid Roberts-Davies, 17, bank manager secretary and Hettie Ackers, 22, a local housemaid. Arthur was born in Bicester, Oxfordshire whilst Elsie hailed from Croydon, Surrey.  Arthur was a member of Hertford Lawn Tennis Club of which he was a committee member in 1920.

Alice Manley, 45, widowed, ran the Dimsdale Hotel.  at number 46. Rosemary Violet, 12. her daughter was in full-time education. Clara Mary Roberts, 34, Alice’s sister was staying with Henry Gladstone, 52, her husband and Evelyn Joan,14, their daughter. Henry was an import/export agent at 58, Hammersmith Road, London W14. Also staying at the hotel were Sir Henry James Vansittart Neale, 78, a naval administrator & landed proprietor with Lady Neale, 65 both born in London but lived at Bisham Abbey, Berkshire; Edwin J Fryer, 55, a managing brewery director at Henley-on-Thames, although he was born in Wymondham, Norfolk and Florence, 47, his wife who hailed from Merthyr Tydfil; Ronald McPherson, 49, a clerk in holy orders from Edinburgh; Mary Susan Wall, 46, born in Worcester, Lady Neale’s maid. The staff at the hotel comprised George Bunyan, 17, a local lad who was a waiter; Annie Archer, 39, waitress from Hornchurch, Essex; Elsie Cassell, 30, bar assistant from London; Joy Cotton Webster, 19, assistant housekeeper also from London; Hilda Rose Mitchell, 28, chamber maid from Hertford; Nellie Daws, 21, house maid from Gt Amwell; Ralph Hipper-Greene ?, 34, private tutor to Sir Edward Pearson. 47, contractor for public works living at Brickendonbury but hailing from Bradford, Yorkshire.

John Godfey, 52, ran a motor cab business from the Dimsdale Arms, number 46. He lived with Clara, 49, his wife and Stanley, 23, their son who was a driver working for his father.

The post office was still at number 52 with Edward Marr as post master.  Edward lived at 23, North Road with Annie Barbara, his wife. The post office was open from 8am to 7pm on week days; telegrams & telephone available during those times.

Maurice Uglow, 65, still ran his hardware store at number 54 supported by Sarah Grace, 64, his wife. Margaret Victoria Congdon, 34, Maurice’s niece was staying on the night of the census. She was born in Gunnersbury, Middlesex, and was assistant casting clerk at C J Cole, Ltd, timber merchant & joinery manufacturer, Thurnhill Low Mills, Richmond Rd, London N1.

At number 56 lived Frederick Olley, 40 , with Mabel, 34 , his wife and Mary, 7, their daughter. Frederick was assistant superintendent, Prudential Assurance Company based at this address. John Figg was the district superintendent. Frederick was born in Thruning, seven miles south of Holt in Norfolk. Mabel came from Hatfield and Mary was born in Downham, Norfolk.

RT & WF Andrews was still advertised as an insurance agents now at 5, Church Street, although Robert Thornton Andrews was now 82 and William Frampton Andrews had died in 1918 aged 79.

William Robert Sutherland, 50, was now the manager of London County, Westminster and Parrs Bank at number 58. William was also listed as treasurer to the union & Rural District Council in Kelly’s Directory. Beatrice, 51, his wife came from West Bromwich. Beatrice Evelyn, 25, their daughter, also lived with them. Ada Sarah Flack, 24, from Clavering, Essex was the general domestic servant.

John Harry Gadd is identified in Kelly’s Directory, 1922 and in the electoral roll  for 1920 as also living at number 58. In 1911. John, 54, was a bank manager in Godalming and by 1922 he was retired in Medina, West Hove, so perhaps he was running the branch in Hertford briefly before he retired.  John was married to Emma Sophie Louisa, 49 in 1911, and they had three children.  Lt. Col. Harry Read Gadd, 2nd Suffolk Regiment, was also living with them in Hertford.

Advertisement from Kelly’s Directory of Hertfordshire

Number 60 was the office of Norris & Duvall (F.S.I.) auctioneers, land and estate agents & surveyors. Henry William Crozier, 48, F.S.I., from Oxford was the auctioneer & surveyor.  He lived at 21, London Road with Emily, his wife who came from Witney, Oxfordshire.  They had previously lived in Bengeo.

At number 62 lived the Brewster family of fishmongers from where they had been trading in 1911 as well. Although they sold foul at festive times.William Henry, 57, who was born in Hoddesdon, was married to Helen, 56 from Bengeo.  Percy, 27, their son, had been born in Ware. Nellie Nickham, 31, their daughter was also living there.  Agnes Coleman, 25, was the general servant.

The Ram PH, at number 64, was now run by Alfred Henry Jackson, 70, with Emma, 68, his wife.  Alfred was born in Bow whilst Emma came from St Pancras. Percy George Kent, 31, was lodging at The Ram.  Percy came from Great Chesterford in Essex, and he was a goods porter for Great Eastern Railway at Hertford East Station.

By the time of the 1928 Electoral Register, Alfred and Emma were living at 31 Talbot Street.

Walter Wyndham Golding 49, M.R.C.V.S. lived at Upton House, number 66 with Ada Millicent, 41, his wife. He ran Golding & Andrew. Walter was veterinary inspector under the “Diseases of Animals Act” for Hertford & Hatfield, Hertford Borough & Welwyn & Ware divisions.  Walter was born on 1st February 1872 and died on 21st January 1944 in County Hospital.  According to the probate he left £19,018 .11s .10d.  His partner was Archibald Houston Andrew.

In 1921, Walter & Ada lived with their three children, Wyndham James (8), Mary Constance (7) & Phyllis Jane (2) who were all born in Hertford. Amy Constance (43), Walter’s sister, was also living at 49.  She was a bank clerk at Barclays Ltd, 54 Lombard Street. Edith Alice Bansham, 46, and her son Peter James (9) were visiting on the night of the census.  Walter, Amy & Edith were born in Haywards Heath. whilst Ada was born in Brighton.

Bertha Jane Clements, 23, was the cook and Lilian Matilda Hester Furlong, 21, was the general domestic servant.

M.R.C.V.S. Archibald married Marion Prentice Ure in 1913 at Christ Church, Ware.  Aged 37, he lived at 81, The High Street, Ware in 192 with Marion (35) their two sons Archilbald Houston, jnr, 7 in full time education and Hugh John, 4. Annie Knight, 19, lived in as their general domestic servant.  Walter and Marion were both born in Haddington, East Lothian with the two boys and Annie all born in Ware. Walter lived at The Grange, Hoe Lane, Ware when he died, aged 81, on 27th October 1965 with a probate of £71,991.

According to the 1921 census number 68, Combles House, lived Mary Ramsden, 72, a widow, and Gertrude, 16, her niece. Mary who had been born in Chester, was living off independent means whilst Gertrude born in Hertford, was a shop assistant to her father, Mr Ramsden at 3 Hertingfordbury Road.

However, according to the electoral role & Kelly’s Directory, Horace George Ramsden with Jessie Ann, his wife, and Horace John their son lived at number 68. but cannot be found in the census.  Horace, aged 29, a widower, & Jessie Ilott, 24, married on 14th February, 1895 at St Andrew’s Church. At that time, Horace was a commercial traveller, born in Enfield and Jessie was from Hertford.

George, 61, & Emma, 69, Pickett lived at number 70.  George was the gardener for Mr Ramsden, provision merchant, 3 Hertingfordbury Road.

Houses at the east end of Fore Street pulled down to make way for Gascoyne Way

At number 72 lived Mary Fanny Evans, 73, with Mary Kathleen Jollands, her 40 years old daughter and her husband, Bertie Evans Jollands, who was an accountancy student.  The two ladies were born in Hertford whilst Bertie was born in Bengeo.  Mary Ann Price, 50, and Rachel Price, 48, both from Takeley were their servants.  Albert Stacey Gilbertson, 55, a Hertford biscuit manufacturer with a factory in Tamworth Road was a boarder,

According to the Electoral Role & Kelly’s Directory, Rev. Ernest Harry Evans also lived at number 72 & number 74 but he does not appear in the census. Ernest was the son of Fanny and Ernest Richard (a surgeon) having been born in Hertford on 20th July 1876. However, Ernest was actually living at 60, Verulam Road, St Albans whilst he was assistant curate at St Albans Abbey.

Charles Edward Shelly, 67, MA & MD Camb., MRCP Lond., MRCS Eng, was still practising as a physician at number 76.  Agnes Ada Helena May Young, 58, his sister & Avery Shelly Patricia May Young, 30, his niece also lived at the house.  Agnes had married William Newton Young, Captain of merchant service,  on 14th August 1889 in Richmond, Surrey but by 1921 was a widow. Charles & Agnes were born in Nuneaton whilst Avery was born in Surrey.  They had two domestic servants, Constance Mildred Winchester, 18, from Welwyn and Alice Maud Cannon, 18, from Bengeo.

Henry Hyslop Thomas, M.D. Glas, D.P.H. Liverpool county medical officer, chief school medical officer & county tuberculosis officer had an office at number 78. Henry who was born on 29th January 1874, lived at The Beeches, 115 Ware Road.

At number 80 lived seven Christ Hospital Teachers. Of the teachers living at number 80 only Emily Barton had been there in 1911. The other teachers were Mabel Bruce, 29, from South Shields; Madge Louise Gillet, 22, from Faversham, Kent; Mary Harvey Muriel, 38 , from Stanford, Norfolk; Gertrude Fanny Selwood, 24, Birmingham; Nesta Emily Thomas, 29, from North Otterington, Yorkshire; Enid Winifred Mary Whyatt, 32, from Dawlish, Devon.

Bertram Ellingham, 32, assessor & collector of Taxes for St Andrew (urban & rural), Bengeo (Rural), All Saints’ (Urban), Brickendon (Urban & Rural), St John (Urban & Rural), Stapleford, Bramfield, Great & Little Amwell & St Margarets & local agent for Unemployment Insurance, Minister of Labour had an office at number 82 although he lived at 32, Tamworth Road.  Bertram, born 24th February 1889 married Florence Emma Spackman in 1915 in Hertford.  He died in 1959 at the age of 80.  jack, their son, was born on 21st October 1919 and later became a clerk in the General Post Office.

Robert Atkinson Hudspeth, now, 54, was still practising as a dentist at number 84. Jessie, 58, his wife employed two servants, Edith May Monk, 34, from Hertford, and Florence Emily Collins, 23, fro Wadesmill.

At number 86, Charles Miller, 50, born in Colden Common near Winchester, was an oil & colour merchant, living with Alice Maude, 53, his wife from St. Albans and their daughter Emily Lily, 13, who was still at school. Charles Frederick, 22, their son also lived with his family at number 86.  Charles was a an out of work shunter who had worked on Taff Valley Railway. Edith, 30, from Mickleover, Derbyshire, and Keefer Kenneth their 2 years old son.

In 1991 Charles had run his business from 22, Ware Road.

The Millers occupied six rooms whilst occupying three rooms at number 86 was Josiah Skinner, 49, a brick layer from Broadfield, Herts, who worked for Ginn, the builders.  Rose, 40, from Ippolitts, his wife and their two sons, Harold Roberts, 12, and Leonard Reginald, 3 lived with him.  Harold who was born on 16th May 1909 was at school and his middle name came from his mother’s maiden name.