The Queens Buildings comprise Nos 54,56,58 & 60 Market St Little Lever, the last one, No 60 being now the location of the Tea Room . In the centre of the block is a stone plaque upon which is engraved

"The Queens Buildings. rebuilt in 1899 in memory of the Tatlocks who have lived near this site for 100 years"

Paul, being something of a Family History Nut was intrigued by this and was prompted to investigate the origins of this block and it's usages over the years since it was built.

The Land Registry indicates that the leasehold on No 60 was granted on the 29th April 1878 for a period of 950 years. The parties to the lease were William Tatlock, George Chatton & others. The lease also comprised other land.

As far as can be ascertained, the numbers of the Market Street properties in the 1871 census only went up as far as No 54. It seem likely therefore that Nos 56, 58 & 60, if not 62-66 were in fact built in 1878.

By the 1891 census the properties went up to and including No 72. Note that Nos 66 & 68 were the Conservative Club.
By 1901 No 74 had been built and 66-68 were now The Reform Club.

The 1881 and 1891 Census's show that 54-60 were occupied as private houses. By 1901 however, two years after Nos 54-60 were rebuilt, this had changed so that No 54 was occupied by Thomas Unsworth - a Coffin Maker & Undertaker, No 56 was a Drapers Shop, No 58 was the Post Office and No 60 was a Newsagents & Stationers.

The 1911 Census only shows occupancy at No 54 - a Blacksmith and No 58 - still the Post Office, although the search process for the 1911 Census is such that, without the name of the occupants of No 56 and No 60, these premises may not show up.

By 1927, the Little Lever Directory shows that No 60 is occupied by Barnes & Howarth Ltd - Pawnbrokers and General Outfitters, No 56 is an Ironmongers, No 54 is again a private house and there is no sign of an entry for No 58.

It would appear, anecdotely, that the entrance to the Pawnbroking side of the business was at the rear of the premises, perhaps to cover the embarrasment of the clients and the bracket that held the Pawnbrokers traditional three balls existed on the back yard wall well into the 1960's

Bill Openshaw tells me that his Grandfather ran Openshaws Tripe Shop in premises across the road until 1956 and then moved into No 60. Bill lived there until 1976 during which time his mother took over the running of the shop and also sold sandwiches and pies.

A rear extension was built in 1976, the property was converted to offices in 1980 and a first floor extension follwed in 1994.

Since 1976/1980 No 60 has apparently, amongst other things, served as a Lingerie Shop, an Accountants and a Book-keepers offices.

Finally the property was bought by the Bolton & District Anglers Association in 2006 and they occupy the upper floor as their offices.

It is quite likely that many other types of businesses have operated from No 60 during it's 131 year existence and Paul would really appreciate any information that may fill in the gaps.