London Road------(pictures 2009)------2001------1969------1951------1920------NEXT
By 1840, some of the first shops were already located on both sides of London Road to the south of Francis Street. The former Woolworth building dates from 1936 when it was first the home of Roslings drapers.
There were a number of shops by 1903 when the road was widened. Sainsbury was already at 3 London Road by 1914: the site (where the bus is) recently taken over by Aldi. Tilleys Stables, Corn and Seed Merchants were to be found at 6 London Road, more recently occupied by Right Price. Tilleys were also known for their Horse Bus Services, which operated on the Lewes Road before the Corporation Tramways came into being in 1901. Their London Road premises backed onto Providence Place. They also had a premises at 133 London Road, the current site of Co-op Funeral Services.
The former Coop was opened in 1931. The site at 103 London Road was formerly used as a Labour Exchange for women. The buildings occupied by Boots and the supermarket beyond date from the 1970s.
Between Ann Street and York Hill there are a number of bow-fronted buildings. The Nat West, at 42 London Road, was previously the site of the London and County and Westminster Bank.
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The projecting shop fronts were built on the front gardens of some elegant residences decorated with pilasters, petals and wreaths.
The New Hudson Cycle Company, run by Mr H. Madle and Miss Ambrosoni, was located at 94 London Road, very near to the current site of Action Bikes (93 London Road).
The site of Superdrug at 43 London Road was once used as a Labour Exchange for men.
London Road railway viaduct wast built in the 1840s, soon after the completion of the London to Brighton railway. A century later in 1943, two of the arches were destroyed in a German air raid. Repairs were quickly made and within 4 hours the railway line re-opened.
London Road------(pictures 2009)------2001------1969------1951------1920------NEXT