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Powys County Archives

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Grocers

Including a greengrocer, there were 5 grocers in Broad Street. George Ellison was possibly the most prosperous of these, and he lived above the shop with his large family and four servants. However, he had been widowed at a young age and his mother- and sisters-in-law were keeping house for him and looking after his four young children.

George Ellison was prosperous enough to have another shop in Newtown in 1891, at 8 Severn Street.

Another grocer who was able to retain the services of a servant was Hugh Davies. He was also able to keep his eldest son in education rather than have him help in the shop.

41-44 Broad Street,
detail of larger photo
No. 42 has circular signs
Powysland Museum and
Montgomery Canal Centre

The greengrocery business next door, however, was the province of the wife of the family, Mary Ann Owen, her husband finding an alternative source of employment. The family had only recently taken over the business, as Sutton's Directory still listed it as a tailor's shop under the proprietorship of Henry Jenkins.

47 Broad Street,
detail of larger photograph
Powysland Museum and
Montgomery Canal Centre

The remaining two grocers had quite different domestic arrangements. John Edwards lived at the shop with his wife, five daughters and one son.

Finally, possibly the most unusual of the grocers in Broad Street was the long established firm of Lewis Brothers who advertised as Lewis Brothers, grocers, Italian warehousemen and provision dealers, and agents for W A Gilbey's wines and spirits. The mother, who was housekeeping for them, had been widowed in July 1888. Her husband had been David Kinsey who was innkeeper at The Kings Head at 53 Broad Street.