A classic Burton shop survives today on Stratford Road. And still has a snooker hall above - not sure if it's still in use. Images courtesy Google Streetview. Viv.
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As can be seen there are more myths than facts about this phrase. There was certainly, it seems, an RAF connection but it had little to do with purchasing suits of clothes.
https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/gone-for-a-burton.html
There appear to be a multitude of derivations, just found thishttps://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/gone-for-a-burton.htmlHi All,
There is little doubt that "Gone for a Burton" is an RAF euphemism to indicate that the unfortunate subject has been involved in an incident (shot down perhaps) that has led to his demise. I am sure that it has nothing to do with Burtons suits. One thing certain is that this saying surfaced during the war. It was widely assumed that this saying was referring to Burtons Beer and as RAF Lichfield was close to the brewing town of Burton it is the answer to which I subscribe although one can never know the truth.
Old Boy
Great photo Viv. I had my first made to measure suit from that shop sometime around 1965. Cost a bit more than 7/- though. I think I paid about £15.This 1920s image shows Burtons in the High Street (left) with 7 shillings suit sign. Viv.
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70/- Seventy Shillings £3.50, can anybody put that in todays money? The number dates the postcard as after 1912, but from the only ladies in the picture (their dresses would define the approximate date). the hats appear to be 1914 - 1922, if only we could see the reg number of the car. In the mists of my memory was there a 50 shilling tailor?This 1920s image shows Burtons in the High Street (left) with 7 shillings suit sign. Viv.
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