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Abbey Road ~ Abbey Street ~ Brook Street ~ Church Street ~ Five Ways ~ Himley Road ~ Lake Street ~ Louise Street
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Louise Street, Gornal Wood
This is the central shopping 'high' street of Gornal, it still has a good selection of small independent shops and businesses.
Shops in Louise Street, 2014.

Photo CDM 2014

In the 19th Century, Louise Street was also known as 'High Street', in the 1871 Census the enumerator notes that High Street was "altered to Cock Street", there are also references to it being called 'The Cock Pit' or 'Cock Pit Lane' in earlier times.
The last recorded use of 'High Street' was in 1894 and earliest use of Louise Street was in the 1881 Census, so it's likely that some overlapping occurred.
Who was Louise?
Originally the left side of the street was mainly orchards, with very few shops.
Early shops in 'Heigh Street' 1871 (these would be located at the top end near to the Junction Inn - No.25)
24. Enoch Allen, dealer in vegetables.
23. Samuel Clark, fruiter.
22. Samuel Hickman, green grocer.
19. William H. Shaw, shopman, grocer.
1881. Early shops in 'Louise Street'.
24. Enoch Allen, dealer in vegetables.
23. Samuel Clark, fruiter.
19. Grocers Shop, James A. Mackie, grocers assisant.
1891.
9. Noah Jones aged 52, bread shop baker.
12 & 13. James H. Beddard, general dealer.
18 & 19. William H. Shaw, grocer & pawnbroker.
See John Johnson Shaw
23. Samuel Clark, fruiter.
The following businesses were trading in Louise Street in 1901. [Census]
7. John Beddard, oil and hardware merchant.
14. Eliza Raybould, drapery shopkeeper.
15. Edward Hickman, fruiter shopkeeper.
18a-19. Willam H. Shaw, grocer & pawnbroker. See furious driving -newspaper report, 1906.
20. William Davies, shopkeeper.
21. William H. Guest, fruiter.
22. Arthur Stokes, pork butcher.
22a. Ellen Southall, shopkeeper, "baker & bread shopkeeper".
23. Thomas Samuels, shopkeeper-fruiter.
24. Thomas & Sarah Jones, tea agent and greengrocer.
Not numbered. Joseph W. Collins, baker.
The following businesses were trading in Louise Street in 1911. [Census]
1. Isaac Bradley, insurance agent.
2. Jane Hyde, widow, grocer.
9. Ann Jones, grocer.
12. Eliza Wood, greengrocer.
Ernest Boucher, baker & confectioner. (High St.)
The following businesses were trading in Louise Street in 1912. [Kelly's Trade Directory]
7. Thomas Edward Smith, fruitier. 14. Simeon Hemmings, shopkeeper.
Grocer [1911 Census] later as Benjamin Arthur Hemmings c1918, grocer and provisions dealer.
15. Thomas Greenway, pork butcher.
In the 1911 Census he describes himself as coal miner hewer.
20. William Davies, newsagent.
21. Sarah Jane Guest, greengrocer.
22. William Massey, fried fish dealer.
The 1911 Census No. 22 was occupied by William Southhall, his mother J. Southall was a grocer.
22. Thomas Edward Smith, fruitier.
22a. Ellen Southall (Mrs), grocer.
23. William Henry Shaw, grocer & baker.
24. William Slater, shopkeeper.
His wife Caroline was a greengrocer, and he was a bricklayer [1911 Census].
25. Joseph Wythes, grocer.
  Sarah Samuels (Mrs), shopkeeper.
  Jane Hyde (Mrs), shopkeeper.
  Elizabeth Thomas (Mrs), wardrobe dealer.
  Joseph Tomlinson, beer retailer.
  At No.25 & 26 in 1915. [ER].
  Daniel Beddard, oil dealer, general dealer [1911 Census])
  Joseph Edward Buxton, builder.
14. In 1915, Benjamin Arthur Hemmings, grocer. [ER]
1911. Grocer [Census]
1918. Benjamin Arthur Hemmings was carrying out business at no. 14 as a grocer, the business was wound up.
The following businesses were among those trading in Louise Street in 1916. [Kelly's Trade Directory]
7. Thomas Edward Smith, fruitier.
8. Arthur Stokes, butcher.
14. Benjamin Hemmings, shopkeeper.
15. Thomas Greenway [sic], pork butcher.
20. William Davies, newsagent.
21. Sarah Jane Guest (Mrs), greengrocer.
22. William Massey, fried fish dealer.
22a. Ellen Southall (Mrs), grocer.
23. John Marsh, confectioner.
Jane Hyde (Mrs), shopkeeper.
George Mason Limited, provision dealers.
John T. Massey, drysalter.
Smith's Port Stores (branch), grocers.
Elizabeth Thomas (Mrs), wardrobe dealer.
Daniel Beddard, oil dealer.
Rose Wakelam (Miss), milliner.
William Stevens, baker.
Eliza Wood, greengrocer.
The following businesses were among those trading in Louise Street in 1921. [Kelly's Trade Directory]
7. John Small, greengrocer, he purchased the shop in 1918 which he ran until 1934.
8. Arthur Stokes, butcher.
14. Annie Wood (Mrs), shopkeeper.
15. Thomas Greenaway, pork butcher.
21. Sarah Jane Guest (Mrs), greengrocer.
22. Elizabeth Massey, fried fish dealer.
22a. Ellen Southhall (Mrs), grocer.
23. John Marsh, confectioner.
George Mason Limited, provisions dealer.
Smith's Port Stores, grocers.
Honor Beddard (Mrs), oil dealer.
John T. Massey, drysalter.
Oakley & Brown, bakers.
Eliza Wood (Mrs), shopkeeper.
Elizabeth Thomas (Mrs), wardrobe dealer.
Rose Wakelam (Miss), milliner.
Joseph Westwood, shopkeeper.
Stephan Williams, baker.
The following businesses were among those trading in Louise Street in 1928. [Kelly's Trade Directory]
1. William Timmins, shopkeeper.
2. John Fraser Westwood, shopkeeper.
5a. Herbert Bate, confectioner.
7. John Small, grocer and provisions dealer (till 1934).
8. Arthur Stokes, butcher.
1929 Sale: Oakley & Brown, Bakers.[Dudley Herald]
SALE BY AUCTION
Monday, November 18th, 1929.
An important double-fronted un-numbered SHOP PROPERTY, situate in
LOUISE STREET, LOWER GORNAL
containing, exclusive of the roomy shop, Entrance Hall, Front Sitting Room with register tiled grate. Kitchen with glazed sink. 2 bedrooms and cellar together with Bakehouse fitted with 2 single flue ovens. Store room over. Spacious Room over shop. Lean-to 2-stall stable and the usual out-buildings, also brick built and slate roofed Cottage at the rear. The shop property is let to Messrs. Oakley and Brown on a quarterly tenacy at a rental of £33 2s. 6d. per Annum and the cottage at a rental of 3/6 per week or gross per annum £9 2s. 0d.
12. John T. Massey, confectioner.
14. Eliza Wood (Mrs), greengrocer.
19. Reuben Leonard Pugh, tobacconist, confectioner, fancy goods & toy dealer. < 1924.
21. Sarah Guest (Mrs), greengocer.
21. Martha Hickman (Mrs), shopkeeper.
22. Frederick John Bassett, draper.
22a. Marsh & Porter, confectioners.
23. Arthur Round, furniture dealer.
24. Simon Dando, draper.
Honor Beddard (Mrs), oil dealer.
Rose Wakelam (Miss), milliner.
Elizabeth Thomas (Mrs), wardrobe dealer.
Stephen Williams, baker & grocer.
Oakley & Brown, bakers.
George J. Mason Limited, provision dealers.
James H. Raybould, coal merchant.
The following businesses were among those trading in Louise Street in 1936. [Kelly's Trade Directory]
1. William Timmins, shopkeeper.
2. John Fraser Westwood, shopkeeper.
5a. Annie Bate (Mrs), confectioner.
7. Arrol J. Horton, seedsman.
8. Thomas Wakelam, butcher.
9. Frances E. Willimas (Mrs), grocer.
12. John T. Massey, hairdresser.
14. Eliza Wood (Mrs), greengrocer.
15. Rupert Griffiths, baker.
19. Mary H. Pugh, shopkeeper.
21. Sarah Guest (Mrs), greengrocer.
22. Frederick Bassett, jnr. draper.
22a. Beatrice Porter (Mrs), confectioner.
23. Willima H. Fletcher, cycle dealer.
24. George H. Waldron, butcher.
56. William E. Shuker, shopkeeper.
Frederick J. Beddard, oil dealer.
Cecil Jones, fried fish dealer.
Claude R. Davies, draper.
George J. Mason Limited, provision dealers.
Oakley & Brown, bakers.
Victor Trantor, butcher.
Rose Wakelam (Miss), milliner.
The following businesses were among those trading in Louise Street in 1940. [Kelly's Trade Directory.
Those marked **additions from 1939 Register]
1. Florence Tennant (Mrs), greengrocer.
2. John Fraser Westwood, shopkeeper; **Marion Westwood, grocer & provisions.
**5. Samuel Jones, fruiter.
5a. Annie Bate, confectioner.
6. Frederick J.Beddard, oil dealer; **wholesale tobacconist.
7. Arrol J. Horton, seedsman.
8. Thomas Wakelam, butcher.
9. Frances E. Williams (Mrs); **grocer, provisions, tobacco, sweets, icecream.
14. Elisa Wood (Mrs), greengrocer; **fruiter.
15. Rupert Griffiths, baker.
19. Mary H. Pugh, shopkeeper, **tobacco and confectioner.
21. Sarah Jane Guest (Mrs), greengrocer; **fruiter.
22. Frederick John Bassett, draper.
22a. Beatrice Porter (Mrs), confectioner; **general dealer.
23. William H. Fletcher, cycle dealer.
24. William R. Shuker, cooked meat dealer.
53. Lorna Bricknell [Brecknall], ladies hairdresser.
  George J. Mason Ltd, provisions dealer.
  Oakley & Brown, bakers.
  John H. Raybould, coal merchant.
  James A. Abbiss, confectioner.
  Rose Wakelam (Miss), milliner.
International Stores, Louise Street, Gornal Wood.

Photo probably mid-1970s

Previously George Masons in Louise Street, this premises is now a Sainsbury's store.
Shops trading in the 1950s-1960s...

Advert c1968


1. Malcolm Pugh, TV, radio and electrical services, fishing tackle, bait and camping gear.
4. William 'Will' Fletcher, cycle shop.
6. Frederick J. Beddard, ironmongery.
9. A. Williams, fuel and haulage, house coal and gravel etc.
15. R. A. Deacon, wallpaper shop.
30. Jack Turner, gents outfitter, clothes shop and footwear.
  Whitford & Lloyd, shopfitters, joinery & property repairs.
1960: Beacon Fireplaces, fireplace surrounds, paints and decorating supples.
Louise Street, recent activity timeline...
Buildings have been renumbered in the past and some numbers along with the premises have disappeared.
Shops on the North side with even numbers.
Advert 1964
2. Louise Street
2023-Present; Magical Barber; Kurdish barber shop.
2020-2022: Vacant.
2010-2020: Junction Depot, convenience store.
2007-2010: Card and gift shop.
1880-1991: The Junction Inn.
2[a]. 2023-Present: A-Sta, dog grooming.
4. Louise Street
1988-Present: M.R. Timms, solicitor.
1980s: Abbey Stores.
6. Louise Street
2017-Present: BS4, barbers shop.
2009-2016: Bakers, estate agents.
1994-2002: Black Country Binding (book binders).
1980s-1993: Dudley Building Society.
1972-1978: W.H. Fletcher, cycle shop.
1940s-1964: Fredrick J. Beddard, ironmongers.
Shops 2014, the North side starting at nr.40 on right
8. Louise Street
2012-Present: Post Office.
1975-2006: Bassett, wool shop.
Occupied also Nr.10 -1975-
10. Louise Street
2010-Present: Janine's, beauty shop.
1930s-2006: Bassett, cloths shop.
12. Louise Street
2021-2023: Limeswood, estate agents.
2019-2021: Home Xperts, estate agents.
-2018-2019: Garden of Eden, homeware shop.
-2015-: Coach Travel 4 U, travel agents.
2000: Fresh fish shop.
1980s: Judith, hairdressers.
1970s-1980: Edna May, hairdressers.
18. Louise Street
2009-Present: Sainsbury's, supermarket.
1990s-2008: Somerfields, supermarket.
1972-1979: International Stores, supermarket.
1962-1969: Masons, supermarket.
22. Louise Street
1967-1969: Bassett, Baby clothes.
28. Louise Street
2014-Present: Beau, womans fashion boutique.
-2006-: Val and Derek Clarke Fresh Fruit and Veg, greengrocers.
-2006: Jack Turner, greengrocer.
Advert c1960
30. Louise Street
1980s-Present: Mrs B's, deli/takeaway/sandwich shop.
1980s: Post Office.
1960s: Jack Turner, clothes and footware.
32. Louise Street
2024-Present: Unity, hairdressers
2009-2024: Mane Street, hairdressers.
1980-: Edna Maye, hairdresser
40a. Louise Street
2018-Present: Get Gaming, video game shop.
2014-2017: Glamour Box, boutique.
2009: Flower Power, florist.
1980s: Leicester Building Society.
40. Louise Street
2023-2024: Precious, party goods.
2017-2023: 2 K's Travel, travel agent.
2015: Mr. Bumbles, traditional sweet shop.
1990-2014: Village Hardware shop.
1977-1986: Hunt Johnson, estate agents.
Shops 2023, the North side starting at nr. 40 on right
42. Louise Street
1994-Present: Eye Care Centre, opticians.
-1994: Local Housing rent office.
1980s: Alans TV.
44. Louise Street.
2019-Present: Vape Vision, vape shop.
2015-2017: The Sun Lounge, tanning and beauty.
2010-2015: Serene Tanning, tanning shop.
1980s-2009: Post Office.
46. Louise Street
2014-Present: Hair Affaire, hairdressers.
2007-2009: Bonbons, sweet shop.
1980s-1990: J.D. Davies Domestic Appliances.
-1960-: P. Attwood, confectioners
48. Louise Street
2024-Present: Glo, tanning studio.
2015-2024: Bethany Georgina, beauty shop.
2010-2014: Hair Affaire, hairdressers.
-2009-2010: Janine's, hairdressers.
1983-: Abbey National Bulding Society & Sunrise Travel Agents
Ad. 1980
Ad. 1984
50. Louise Street
2010-Present: Unused or unknown use.
1991-2009: Hair Affair, hairdressers.
1980s: Insurance agents.
(52+) 54. Louise Street
2024-Present: (54); Robbies One Stop Shop, convenience store.
2022-2023: (54); party goods shop.
2021-2022: (54); Harley Hounds Raw Food Supplies, (pet food).
2021-Present: (52); Lewis Home Improvements.
2020-2021: (52+54); vacant.
1999-2020: (52+54); Mary Stevens Hospice, charity shop.
-1995-: (54) Its a Dog's Life, pet shop.
1980s: (52); Travel agents & Dudley Building Society.
-1980-: (52); Kenro, motorists shop.
1982-1984: (52); Rogers Video.
1992-: (54); Health food shop.
1990-2009: (52); Swinscoe's Estate Agents.
1974-1976: (54); Nicholas Smith, gents outfitter.
1950s-1971-: A.J. Horton, seed & corn merchant.
1976-1980: Gornal Guitar School, music tuition (over).
56. Louise Street
1992-Present: Golden Oriental, chinese take-away.
1950s-1972: F.J. Beddard, hardware shop.
58. Louise Street
2014-Present: Angel Face, beauty salon.
2009-2024: Boyz 2 Men, hairdressers.
1994-1995: Baby clothes and nursery shop.
1980-1983: CHN, plumbing & heating.
1971-1980: F.G. Richards, photography.
60. Louise Street
2017-present: Residential or unknown use.
-2016-: 'Karens', hairdressers.
1980s: Hairdressers.
advert 1964
62. Louise Street
2016-present. Studio 62, kitchen shop.
2007-2011: Swinscoe's, estate agents.
1980s: Hairdressers.
1960s: Grocers.
92. Louise Street
1996-Present: Residential.
-1995: Saddle Shop.
Shops on the South side
No.3 [1] Louise Street. 2022
This little shop on the corner was the old faggot shop, where you could go with a bowl and have it filled with home-made faggots, in recent times, it still in use as a florist shop.
3. Louise Street
2016-Present: Hills Florist.
1988-2016: Forget Me Not, florist.
7. Louise Street
2012-Present: Best Wishes, card shop, new shop created 2012.
9-11. Louise Street
2000-Present: Chesters, pet supplies shop.
1980s-1990s: (9); Hortons, seed & corn shop.
-1979-: (11); H.T.B. Household Textiles
13. Louise Street
-Present: Topcuts, barbers.
19. Louise Street
2019 - Present: Harleys Hair & Beauty.
2016-2019: J W Flooring, carpet shop.
2014-2016: Lighting Majestic, domestic lighting shop.
2003-2005: Harris Home Furnishings, furniture shop.
1960s-1970s: Gornal Radio & Electrical Services.
1950s-1960s: Jack Turners, menswear & shoe shop.
1940s-1950s: Megan, cloths shop.
Advert 1964
21. Louise Street
2019-Present: Oh! Flopping Fiddlesticks, craft & coffee shop.
2014-2018: The Flower Fairie, florist.
1950s-2000: Megans, ladies & childrens clothes shop.
31-35. Louise Street
1991-Present: La Raj, Indian restaurant.
1970s-1980s: Round's, cake shop.
37. Louise Street
2007-Present: Incorporated in to La Raj (31-35) above.
-2006-: Coach Travel 4U, travel agents.
1970s-1990s: off licence; wool shop.
Shops c2015, the South side, La Raj and no.39.
39. Louise Street
2017-Present: Mad Hatters, tea shop.
2017: Wedding shop.
2011-2014: The Flower Fairie, florist.
2009: J & A Soft Furnishings.
I would appreciate any additions or corrections to this listing.
~

this aye fur noggin yeds