Uppingham, High Street c.1950

Photo ref: U10011

More about this scene

The sign of the Unicorn inn on the left has a finely- carved sundial nearby, also with a unicorn below. At one time, the landlady was Mrs Dwyer, associated with the well-known music-hall act, Clapham and Dwyer. Further along, the grocer's is an early 18th-century house of 2½ storeys with quoins. There follow more 18th-century buildings where the façades usually conceal much older rem- nants. The Crown Hotel and Price & Son, boot and shoe- makers, can be seen. On the right-hand corner is the ironmonger. Further down, Esso Royal Daylight Oil and Calor Gas are advertised. Was this part of Alec Bilsdon's business? The sign of a hairdresser is prominent - no doubt Mr Steward in the Market Place had retired by now. Beyond is Boots, established in the town pre- war. The imposing proper- ties at the Queen Street junction which protrude into the street are dated circa 1700. The shop with the awning is Culpin & Son, butchers, established in 1927 as Goodacre & Culpin and still going strong.