Two of the longest established businesses, Alban Atkin the chemists (no. 243), from 1904 to 1989, and Sidney Venning the locksmiths and ironmongers (no. 273), survived until just a few years ago.

The chemists shop was a time warp right up to the end, with large glass fronted cabinets and beautiful apothecary jars. The dispensary was at the far end of the shop, under a huge clock but the chemist only made up homeopathic remedies.