125-126 High Street

Image: © Jo and Steve Turner Taken: 23 Oct 2011

Built as two houses/shops before 1842 it is alongside Anchor Street one of the lanes between high street and former wharfs on the River Witham. In the shaw family from 1850, the 1855/6 directories list William Burley under furniture brokers at 126 with no mention of 125. William Jackson Burley (1805-1861) was father to William Shaw (1827-1912). In 1857 Akrill’s Directory has 125 Benjamin Higgott, 125½ William Jackson Burley and 126 M White. In 1868-1872 directories list a milliners at 125 and William Shaw, upholster, later cabinet maker at 126. By 1885 number 125 is listed as a corn dealer and at least 1889 to 1919 greengrocer and then I have no more directories until 1965 when Shaw’s occupies both properties. W Shaw reportedly carried out alterations to 125 in 1886, this is around the time George took over from William. I can’t tell if Shaw’s always owned both and rented out one or if they purchased 125 later. According to their website G H Shaw Ltd was established in 1860 by George Horatio Shaw. However according to Ancestry.com George wasn’t born until 1861 and Companies House confirms G H Shaw Ltd was incorporated on 23rd February 1982. Clearly the business in one form or another has been in existence since at least 1855, probably much earlier as William Burley was born in 1805. The frontage has been completely changed with ground-floor shop fronts and new fenestration.

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