The Gold Shop and London Nails

1906. This election was dubbed the Liberal landslide when over half of the Conservative government lost their seats.

In Swaffham the agriculturist Liberal Richard Winfrey won the South-West Norfolk seat from the Conservatives on his third attempt and held it until 1934.

At the time Swaffham was the Headquarters of the South-West Norfolk constituency.

Alfred Negus Barnes In 1911 Alfred Negus Barnes was caretaker of the Liberal Club and, with his wife Florence, occupied the flat above the two shops.

Originally this house, together with no. 53, was a single, private home – Waverley House – which was converted into two separate units after 1912. Charles Hawes was a linen draper here from at least 1830 until his death in 1843.

To the left of the photograph, the home of Honor Jeffery until her death in 1845 is visible (see inset).

Charles Jeffery married Honor Bone in Swaffham in 1800. Although he died in 1818 the family continued the business and by 1830 his son Charles is listed as a corn and coal merchant with his brother Clare, the business running from the Marketplace.

The brothers also later became maltsters and wine merchants. Honor’s son Charles and his family lived on London Street.

These shops have changed hands many times. Gladys Young may have traded here in the early 20th century as a florist, fruiterer, confectioner and soft drinks seller, but other researchers place her at the other side of the Crown Inn.

• Charles Thompson – butcher’s shop,
• ca 1939. Pine and Pots,
• ca.1958 Chimes, Jewellers,
• ca. 1984. Digital Phones, ca.1985.
• B. W. Jewellery, ca.2005
• One Hour, Photo Shop, ca.2009
• Picture Framing and Printing
• Solutions, ca.2015
• The Gold Shop, 2018
• London Nails – not yet open.