Batley, Commercial Street c.1955
Photo ref: B642014
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Photo ref: B642014
Photo of Batley, Commercial Street c.1955

More about this scene

Formerly a dirty, rutted lane, this was changed into a shopping centre from 1872 with the demolition of the Hick Lane cottages. In their place emerged Exchange Buildings, the town's first block of shops. However, by 1881 traders were complaining that Commercial Street was in a disgusting state. It was not improved until 1903, when wooden blocks were used on the roads to keep the noise down. By 1906 the Co-operative store was established in the Market Place; it stayed here until its demolition in 1977. Others stores date from the thirties, including Woolworth's (1931) and Burton's (1937). Many of these were swept away in the next redevelopment of 1964.

An extract from West Yorkshire Photographic Memories.

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West Yorkshire Photographic Memories

West Yorkshire Photographic Memories

The photo 'Batley, Commercial Street c1955' appears in this book.

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A Selection of Memories from Batley

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Batley

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

Does anyone remember Rene Donnelly's Sweet Shop on the corner of Wilton Street & Bradford Road? I remember buying Smith's Crisps with the little blue packet of salt. There was a sign in the shop that read "Please don't ask for credit as a refusal often offends." Also the Little Wooden Hut was almost opposite on Bradford Road, we bought our fireworks there for Guy Fawkes night. It was owned by Mrs. ...see more
I remember Rosie's cheap shop. My mum and dad used to shop there, there were some good bargains there. wish those times were back.
I remember Rosie's Cheap Shop so well. I can actually picture Rosie now with her slight lisp. Did she not run the place with her son/sons. I also remember the 10 pence lucky bags from the market, and the sweet shop called the 'Talk of the Town'. I have such fond memories of Batley, but sadly haven't been there for 13 years.
Does anyone remember the Royal Hotel in Batley, it was on a corner I think of Bradford Road and a road that went up a very steep hill to a village. Lived there from 1963-1965 and went to Park Road School. Looking for a photo of the pub if anyone has one. Remember traffic lights being outside on the corner and a man that used to keep ferrets down his shirt and trousers when he came in for a pint.