Gregory’s General Store

This shop was originally built as a pair of houses in 1883 at Lawrence Lane, Oldhill by Charles Gregory, an ironworker.

Mrs Gregory ran a shop from the front room of the house they occupied but as trade expanded they converted both houses into a double fronted shop downstairs with living accommodation for the family above.

The shop setting is 1925 when Gregory’s store sold virtually everything the local community required, though by necessity the needs of the poor working people were fairly basic.

Like many shops at the time Gregory’s would sell a single egg, half a loaf, or an ounce of tea to customers who had barely enough money for their next meal.

The shop stocked an unlikely combination of foodstuffs and commodities ranging from meat and dairy products, groceries, fruit and vegetables to sweets, corsets and footwear.

They did a big trade in home brewing supplies which was a popular activity in the district.

Information Sheets

To help you make the most of your visit you can download an exhibit information sheet. These are especially useful for customers who may have hearing impediments.

Download here: Gregory’s General Store (PDF 1900kB)