Prospect Place was built in 1878 and is a substantial double-fronted house which. for most of its life was divided into two units with two front doors side by side. No 33 (on the right) was residential and No 33a on the left was a shop. The shop window has since been converted to form a domestic window identical to that on the right hand side. During the 1950s the freehold of the entire building was owned by the building Company Taylor & Sage of No 1a Park Lane.

1924
Edward Palmer Reeve - Grocer (K1924) occupies 33a. Mr Reeve also advertises that he is agent for Camplings Ltd, dry cleaners. (See visitor comment below.)

1933
Edward Palmer Reeve - Grocer (K1924) occupies 33a.

1941
The grocer's shop has now closed and stands empty. 33a is rented by Mrs May G May whose home in Barnaby Green has been bombed. Mrs May takes in war personnel lodgers to help with rental costs. Two years later she moves her family next door to No 33

Mid 1940s
Mrs Barker - Wet fish shop, occupies 33a (LM) (Dates and full name required)

1948
Paddy Pile - 'Paddy's, Fish Merchant. In addition to the wet fish shop, Paddy Pile and his wife operate a mobile fish and chip shop. The Piles also live at this address.(LM)

1953
Paddy Pile - 'Paddy's, Fish Merchant (CSP) The mobile unit is still trading in 1959 although the shop is now closed. (LM)

1956/1957
Mrs May G May - open a small home bakery and cake shop in the front room of No 33. She and her family have lived in rented accommodation at Prospect House since 1941, initially occupying 33a. (Source: Gary May)

1959
Mrs May G May - moves her home and busiess to larger premises at No 12 Queen Street where she will start a restaurant as well as continuing her thriving baking business.

We are grateful to Mrs May's son Gary May for information and photographs of the family's time at No 33. To read his account, click here.