Wells, High Street 1963

Photo ref: W47081

More about this scene

Liptons the grocer's (left), a café from 1910 to the 1920s, is now Dixon's. Beside Liptons, the Pearl Assurance sign hides that of the Kings Head. Beyond, Lloyds Bank (established 1835) remains, with the 15th-century Star Hotel visible behind. The pillar box (right) still stands, but Hepworth's has become Superdrug. Next right is now a New Look fashion store; it stands on the site of the Novum Hospitium, where the Vicars Choral lived before 1382. It was also the site of the ancient Christopher Inn (1404- 1862), and until mid 1887 it was the Somerset Hotel, with a cast iron covered porch, stone walls and sandstone floors. William Halliday - a self-taught wood carver - lived there. His work was exhibited at the Great Exhibition, and can be seen around the city and in the cathedral. The Co-operative society (right) - now Stokes the greengrocer's and Lewis's – is now a sports shop. Woolworth's remains. On the west side of Guardhouse Lane (the gap between the Co-op and the store next to Hepworth's, right) was the guardhouse for prisoners from the Napoleonic wars - later it became a granary. Just west of Liptons (left), the 13th-century Grope Lane became Grove Lane in 1840, and is now Union Street. The library was built here in 1968, winning a Civic Trust Award.

An extract from Wells Photographic Memories.