51-53 Albion Street

By Lynda Hall and Julie Caldicott, research volunteers

Grade II Listed premises which formed a group, purpose built circa c1860 – 1870 (likely that several small manufactories occupied this site previously).  There was no evidence that the buildings were used as domestic premises .  All 3 buildings provided frontages to workshops, offices, showroom & yard space, incorporating fires and chimneys evolving over time into combined premises from where several small businesses traded simultaneously during the 19^th & 20^th centuries – reflected by one or more traders occupying the same postal address, a practice not unusual during these times.  The premises also incorporated covered workshops sited in the courtyards at the rear of the properties.

The timeline, whilst showing various traders, focuses on the common thread of a single trader evident between 1871 until 1944.

John Fletcher and Frederick Bauer (A British National born Hanover) – Watchmaker Merchant and Factor. There is no evidence to show there was a partnership and the Bauers continue in business after Fletcher disappeared from the Trades Directory. Frederick Bauer died in 1885 but the business continued with his son Emil Bauer and Frederick William (another son).