John Boulton, Draper Temple Row West, later 33 New Street

[Vivienne14]

John Boulton had a drapery business in Temple Row West until 1841, after which the business moved to #33 New Street. The first two images, I think, show the early drapery business on the corner of Temple Row West and Colmore Row (far right). Maybe the move was because of redevelopment of this part of Temple Row West.

The third image shows the interior of the New Street premises.

Source: British Newspaper Archive

 

[pjmburns]

1852 directory entry


1855

By 1862 he was no longer listed

 

[pjmburns]

1851 census - entry occupies over a page

 

[pjmburns]

1861 - he seems to have retired to Solihull


In 1871 he was listed as retired ands till living on the High Street Solihull

 

[pjmburns]

He died in 1874

 

[Vivienne14]

Great info J̌anice ! Post #3 gives a lovely insight into the New Street employees. He employed 19 staff including mostly male 'drapers assistants', two domestic servants, and a Porter. Only one Brummie, some were from Staffordshire, some from Worcestershire. Maria Houghton, domestic servant, and Joseph Webb, porter, moved with him to the 'Laurels' in Solihull. Webb turned his hand to gardening and domestic duties. Obviously rwo trusted employees. Great little snapshot.

 

[pjmburns]

I was staggered by the number he employed who presumably also lived there.
Interestingly the chap listed at the premises later is also named on the probate - Richard Lloyd.

 

[Vivienne14]

I'd say that they were a very tightly knit community. The male drapers were mostly very young employees. Bet they could be a handful Janice, if they 'lived above the shop', so to speak! It was a common practice, even into the 1950s/60s in some departmental stores. I suppose it meant they could draw on staff from, originally, further afield.

 

[Vivienne14]

Richard Lloyd was there from at least 1863. By 1870 the address was an undertakers.

I was going to say that maybe Lloyd inherited the business but as he was named in proving the codicil to the will, I dont suppose he could have could he ?

He might simply have bought the business from Boulton.


Source: British Newspaper Archive

 

[Vivienne14]

Or perhaps Lloyd was running the business on behalf of John Boulton (son?)?