SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

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Friend managed to snap this from the bus, corner of Otley Road and Grove Lane, Headingley. Dates from at least 1935, picture on leodis. Robinson Stationers Headingley

The Lloyds Pharmacy at the junction of King Lane and The Avenue (LS17) is shortly to close and will presumably become a branch of another chemist chain as part of a Government ruling to decrease Lloyds Pharmacy's share of the market. I noticed yesterday (March 2 2017) that the Lloyds name had been taken down and an old name was visible (on talking to someone I found the old name became visible on March 1st). I took this photo on March 2 2017. It still showed the same at least earlier today (March 3) and the chemist was open, though I don't know under what name.

These old business signs that have become exposed caught my eye in Kirkgate Market, Leeds, on April 12 2018, so I took the attached photo. The large sign states that A. Foster was a Salesman and Commission Agent and in smaller and possibly older wording above it states 'Geo. E. Grayson. Licensed to deal in game. Successor to ...' (it's hard to read from then if there is any wording there). I wonder if anyone recalls at least one of the businesses? I was surprised that there had been a Commission Agent (i.e. Bookies) in the market.

I would like to thank the current business proprietor for his willingness to let me take the photo (the name of what seemed to be a new business did not though seem there). I had to wait several minutes before I could quickly take a photo without shoppers in view! .

[quote="Leodian"]These old business signs that have become exposed caught my eye in Kirkgate Market, Leeds, on April 12 2018, so I took the attached photo. The large sign states that A. Foster was a Salesman and Commission Agent and in smaller and possibly older wording above it states 'Geo. E. Grayson. Licensed to deal in game. Successor to ...' (it's hard to read from then if there is any wording there). I wonder if anyone recalls at least one of the businesses? I was surprised that there had been a Commission Agent (i.e. Bookies) in the market.

I would like to thank the current business proprietor for his willingness to let me take the photo (the name of what seemed to be a new business did not though seem there). I had to wait several minutes before I could quickly take a photo without shoppers in view! .
[attachment=0]OldTradingNamesExposedAtKirkgateMarketLeedsApril122018..


Great Picture Leodian
I would reasonably be sure that this shop would be one of those on what was known as the "Game Row" THis comprised of a row of Shops that specialised in "Game"...... This being Fresh Rabbits, Hare, Duck, Turkey, Grouse Geese, Duck etc. As these shops, by and large used to be quite small. Farmers and Landowners around Yorks used to bring in these things daily.
and i am assuming that is where the Commission Agents came in.
Although Back Street Betting had flourished for years, it was only when it became Legal in May 1961 that Betting Offices came in with a Bang. I would think it is hardly likely that any Bookmaker would waste his Licence opening off the Main Road.

Just realised that there are 120 pages to look through, have managed up to Page 22 tonight but now i must leave it until tomorrow ans go back to watching the "Rocky Horror Show" Villa v. Leeds.

TAYLORS DRUG COMPANY

A fine example of terracotta.

https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=53. ... 14/-1.5869

TAYLORS DRUG COMPANY by Isambard Brunel,

Leodian wrote: I was surprised that there had been a Commission Agent (i.e. Bookies) in the market.

I would like to thank the current business proprietor for his willingness to let me take the photo (the name of what seemed to be a new business did not though seem there). I had to wait several minutes before I could quickly take a photo without shoppers in view! .

OldTradingNamesExposedAtKirkgateMarketLeedsApril122018..jpg

I don't think he was a bookmaker, A commission agent is what it says, a salesman with agencies who would pay him a commission. My late father in law was one.

Thanks Jack and jgl1954 for your help . I had thought that a Commission Agent was another word for a Bookmaker (Bookie).

Another ghost sign that has recently been exposed, was blocked by trees for a long time.