Bankil's Ironmonger

I remember going to Bankils with my dad in the 50/60's he was a very regular customer and had known the staff all his life I think. I think it was Dick who had really black curly hair and it was said that he'd been a prisoner of war. John Bankil was lovely man and if I was sent to get something he would almost know the right thing I was to get (2" x 8 screws a mystery to me then !!) What about the metal covered counter.... had it's own special sound when counting out screws etc. I loved that shop

I also remember the iron shop and had to walk all the way down "Pump Hill" to go to it as I lived at the top in R. Cheeke & Co. the Estate Agents run by my Mother and seen in the picture.
The chemist next door was owned by Mr. & Mrs. Hamlet who were my God Parents......................Norman P.

This shop was one of the old style ironmongers that Ilford and district had a number of in those good old days. It sold pretty well everything that a tradesman needed and as my journey to work from Hainault often passed that way to various points in London I often called in for one tool or another or a service like saw-sharpening. I still have many tools bought there now; for example the pruning hook I've just mentioned in an email to my brother that prompted me to look up Bankils!

The shop began in Enfield Wash as I understand it. A mixture of Ban and Kil. Ban was from Banks and Kil from Kilian. One my Uncle the other an Uncle by marriage.