daid rathgen
master brummie
Brilliant work, greatly appreciated. Will go over it tomorrow.So Edwin Withers had a good start in life. His late father is referred to in the list of marriages in Aris's Gazette of March 1829, showing the marriage of S Vallant to his only daughter Elizabeth.
The first reference to tenements at 14 and 15 is interesting as J Watts had established a company in 1839 and traded from 14 Snow Hill in 1874. The Tobacco, Snuff and Cigar Manufactury Steam mills and termed Great Western Cigar Stores, James Watts. He acquired number 15 in 1875, but seems to disappear after 1879. (In 1843 No.14 is down as T Watts, Publication and Printing Office.)
In 1880 No.14 is advertised to Let as Egyptian Hall and could be used for lectures and services, capable of seating between 600 and 700 people. By 1882 it was the Egyptian Hall Billiards.
1883 Kelly, No.14 Egyptian Hall and John Clarkson, tobacconist. No.15 Birmingham Coffee House Ltd.
So did Edwin Withers obtain these properties some time around 1879? The term tenements suggests that there were apartments, but I can’t find reference as yet.
I did see one reference that he sold tea as well as tobacco from Cheapside. Will check in morning.