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Chapel Ash |
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| Chapel Ash has long been an important
thoroughfare as it lies on the main route from town to Shrewsbury, Holyhead
and Bridgnorth. In the late 19th century it was an important suburb due to
the extensive housing around St Marks Road and Great Brickkiln Street. This
led to the development of Chapel Ash as an important shopping area, a role
which it has only recently relinquished. As the 19th century housing
disappeared, and Chapel Ash became a little isolated with the building of
the ring road many of the well known traders closed their doors for the last
time. The following photographs were taken at a time when a large variety of
goods were still on sale in Chapel Ash, and it was just about possible to do
most of the weekly shopping there. |
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This February 1975 view was taken about three months
before these shops were demolished to make way for the new Banks's
Brewery car park. Directly opposite is the premises of John Smith and to
its left W.J. Thomas who were ironmongers.
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| Also taken in February 1975 is this photograph showing
the car park and rear of the shops that are in the top photograph. Note
the old brew house which would have been so important when people lived
as well as traded here. |
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The same scene in May 1975 when the demolition work was
nearly complete. Like many of the Victorian suburbs it was a complex
jigsaw made up of all kinds of adjoining buildings. |
| There were quite a variety of shops still here in July
1974. Opposite is Sheba travel agents, De-Babel restaurant, Warners
Photography, Paynes shoe repairs, The Gooseberry Bush Pram Shop, Warners
Audio & Professional, Hubus Cash Registers, Clayton Estate Agents,
International Foodstores, Wilsons and the Clarendon Hotel. |
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Warners Photography was one of the better known
photographic shops in the town. They stocked a large variety of
equipment, and catered for all interests.
The staff were always
extremely helpful and polite. In the 1970's it was often the only place
in town where it was possible to purchase a particular camera or
accessory. It was sad to see it go. |
This 1975 view again shows the tremendous variety of
shops that were found here. Paynes shoe repairers and The Gooseberry
Bush pram shop would have catered for the local population which
dispersed with the demolition of the Victorian housing.
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Warners Audio and Professional was also very special.
The audio side of the business catered for both the expanding domestic
hi-fi market, professional audio companies and educational
establishments. This was reflected in the wide variety of equipment
stocked.
Upstairs was the professional photographic section. This was
the only photographic business of its type in the town selling the very
best in cameras and darkroom equipment. Warners Professional moved to
Sutherland House, Sutherland Avenue, Bilston. |
| In the 1970's Chapel Ash still retained an outward
appearance of affluence. |
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The Clarendon Hotel has always been the figurehead for
the local brewery. Its well painted exterior and etched glass windows
give a very good impression.
On a day when brewing is in progress Chapel
Ash acquires an extremely distinctive and pleasant smell. |
| The south side of Chapel Ash echoes the north side with
a large variety of businesses varying from Barclays Bank opposite, to a
furniture shop and a car repairers. |
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Directly opposite is Jones and Griffiths estate agents
who are on the corner of Meadow Street.
On the other corner is Kestrel Kleeners who are dry cleaners. Next door is E. Glass watch repairers and
Dewhurst the butchers. Next door to them is Bulleys estate agents and
Derwent TV rentals and sales. |
| A July 1974 view of the bottom of Chapel Ash from
Compton Road. The building directly ahead on the corner of Bath Road is
occupied by Charles Clark car dealers. Banks' brewery is very prominent
in the background, the chimneys being a local landmark. |
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Queen Square |
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beginning |
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