[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!

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[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.