A view of Loftus in 1929. The High Street runs diagonally from the bottom left corner, through the Market Place, to the top right. The amount of detail in the picture is noteworthy; it is fascinating to compare it to Google Earth’s view of the same area. Many of the buildings still stand today. But dating this photograph which was taken after the erection of the War Memorial, but prior to the demolition of the houses on High Side behind the memorial were demolished. David Richardson tells us: ”This is one of several aerial views of Loftus produced as postcards from a flyover in 1929.”
Image courtesy of Carolyn Richards and many thanks to David Richardson for the dating update.
The end of Loftus High Street looking towards the Market Place, about 1920. The shops were: a small general dealers, Mr Robinson’s bike and electrical shop, then came Finlay’s sweet shop. Can we date it by the pram? The gap in the wall on the right hand side was for a horse trough that was fed by a natural spring. Eric Johnson says ”The first shop has the name S. Jackson on the sign. Kelly’s Directory of the North Riding for 1905, lists: ’Jackson, Sarah (Mrs), shopkeeper, 43 High Street Loftus”. Jean Wiggins tells us od this image: “Granny Jackson is standing outside Jackson’s grocer’s on the corner of Dam Street. The middle shop is ‘Sappy’ Watson’s barbers and the next is Finlay’s provisions.”
This view of the High Street, from the end of Arlington Street, shows two ladies viewing the shop window; whilst possibly preparing to push the pram up to the Market Place. With the weight of prams in those days, a good push!
Image courtesy of Mary Bielby and Olive Bennett, many thanks to Jean Wiggins for the update.
Loftus war Memorial, construction almost complete ready for dedication, some shuttering remains on the left behind which can be seen the entrance through the building to the Catholic church.
Another postcard view believed to be of a market being set up in the Market Place. Judging by the vegetation either late or very early in the year, certainly not high summer.
Another view of the Market Place with Riley’s emporium, Cammell’s shop, William Maxwell Race’s premises followed by the Golden Lion Hotel. The parked vehicles not having to obey the more ordered parking arrangements of today.
Image courtesy of Keith Bennison, Joyce Dobson and Keith Bowers.
Kings Yard was located behind Pear Tree Cottage and the Angel Inn in the Market Place, the three ladies are identified as Mrs Pinkney, Mrs Cockburn and Mrs Jefferson; all residents of Kings Yard. Two ladies are engaged in polishing boots and a candlestick, the third lady appears to be a domestic servant, with starched pinny and cap.
This view predates the reconstruction of the drinking fountain, for the great war memorial. Steps were built at each side of the fountain, with new railings. Further down the wall can be seen the opening for the steps from the road up to High Side; this was removed after a tragic accident to a child. Lucie Wood comments: “I have recently purchased a house on the High Street and I’m interested in photographs of yesteryear. I’m from the south and Loftus is such a special place.” Mervyn Brown advises: “Unlike Lucie, I’m from the north but moved south, born in Liverton Mines 92 years ago. My uncle, Maxwell Race owned a well known Cafe/Bakery in Loftus Market Place, at the time (pre -war, I believe and pre World War I as well) between the Lion hotel and a wine shop Cammels. The saying was then that it was the only place you would see a Race between a Lion and a Camel. He sold out to make way for a new cinema which was built on that site and moved down the High Street to what was then known as Dam End and had a shop last on the right, on the corner. Happy days! Enjoy Loftus. I did though we left when I was 12 years old and after several subsequent moves arrived in Pinner where I now live.” Ian Harrison adds: “Hiya, Mervyn do your remember Tom Wren’s shop at Dam End. My mother and her family lived above when she was a small girl. She once told me that her and her sibling’s once went into one of Tom Wren’s rooms which was out of bounds really and to their amazment was full of Zulu gear: shield’s, arrows, and head gear.No doubt all from the Boer war.”
Image courtesy Joyce Dobson and Keith Bowers; thanks to Lucie Wood, Mervyn Brown and Ian Harrison for the updates.
This postcard image of Loftus War Memorial shortly after the opening ceremony in 1922. We can see the war memorial and the lions head pouring out water, with some of the older houses of Loftus in the background.
Taken from the west we can clearly see the shop of C. J. Dodd & Co; the Presbytery in the background and the original shop with living accommodation above in the building now the Co-op. A hand tinted postcard produced by H. G. Glen & Co of Leeds pre-1913.
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