This land, between the old Shire Offices and Clyde St, was once home to three shops. In 1861, Thomas Austin ran a newsagency and stationery business here, but after going bankrupt in 1882, his daughter Jane took over. The shop later passed to B.N. Dodd and then John Angus, who ran a fancy goods and tailoring business.
Next door, J.Y. Clarke operated a barber and tobacconist shop from the 1890s and was known for owning Linton’s first record player. The corner lot was home to the Hugill brothers’ candle and soap factory, which was sold to bootmaker David McFadzean in the 1870s.
By the early 20th century, McFadzean’s building housed draper James H. Barr and later his son James Barr Jr., who ran a boot shop. Local doctors, including Dr. Scantlebury, used the front room as a surgery. Dr. Scantlebury’s daughter, Vera, became a renowned doctor.
In the 1980s, stained glass artist Bob Albert renovated the building, which has since housed a bookshop, a bed and breakfast, and is now a private residence with Clare Bear Sweets operating in the front room.
The photo on your screen shows Barr’s drapery shop in the 1980s, with Barr’s name still visible above the entrance.
