Swaffham Café 2

This view of the Shambles from 1917 shows where the Alpe saddlery was. (Courtesy Norfolk Record Office). In 1845 this would have been widow Pymar’s house.

The clue is the windows at different levels and means that the Alpe saddlery is the middle of the three buildings in this section of the Shambles.

Robert Edward Alpe, saddler and harness maker, lived and worked here in the 20th century.

His father James had introduced him to the profession from his workshop on the west side of the Marketplace. He retired in 1948 and died in 1967.

The clue is the windows at different levels and means that the Alpe saddlery is the middle of the three buildings in this section of the Shambles.

At some time afterwards the premises became part of the renovation and were included in that build.

This tool chest is Robert’s working tool chest. It has been donated to the museum with the tools of his trade by the Alpe family.