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Recent Blog Features

Read the 'Here Comes Summer!' Blog Feature

Here Comes Summer!

Dip into this seasonal selection of nostalgic photographs from The Francis Frith Collection of people in the past having fun in the sun, as we celebrate the onset of summer. (read)

Read the 'Oak Apple Day' Blog Feature

Oak Apple Day

Oak Apple Day or Royal Oak Day, used to be a public holiday celebrated in England, Wales and Ireland in the past to commemorate the restoration of King Charles II to the throne in 1660 following the Civil War. (read)

Read the 'Buttercrosses' Blog Feature

Buttercrosses

Photos of the curious old buildings known as Buttermarkets or Buttercrosses. (read)

Read the 'Department Stores' Blog Feature

Department Stores

A nostalgic celebration of department stores of the past (read)

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WH Smith - End of an Era

Published on March 28th, 2025

We’ve lost Woolworths, Debenhams, British Home Stores and many more – now the news is that WH Smith stores have been sold and will be rebranded with a new name. Here’s a selection of images from The Francis Frith Collection showing this much-loved chain store that has been a feature of our high streets for so long in various towns and cities over the years. The end of an era!

Photo: Clevedon, Wh Smith & Son 1925.


Photo: Barmouth, Wh Smith & Son, High Street c.1965.


Photo: Pangbourne, The Village 1910.


Photo: Sale, School Road 1961.


Photo: Barnet, High Street c.1965.


Photo: Leominster, High Street c.1960.


Photo: Mill Hill, The Broadway c.1969.


Photo: Stafford, Greengate Street c.1960.


Photo: Droitwich Spa, Ombersley Street And Raven Hotel c.1960.


Photo: Ludlow, Bull Ring 1910.


Photo: Faringdon, London Street c.1960.


Photo: Eastbourne, Terminus Road 1925.


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