Based on childhood recollections
of shops in Edmonton, north London in Edwardian times.
The newsagents in Silver Street was a very small shop indeed, and it carried newspapers, magazines, books and comics as well as
tobacco and
cigarettes. It always seemed to me to be a man’s shop, as the men bought their tobacco there, and when they bought their evening papers, they would stand and chat about the latest war news. Morning papers were delivered which meant that the shopkeepers had to get up very early in the mornings to organise. The
owners were a husband and wife team, along with a lady relative.
Children’s comics were very popular, and I remember there was School Friend for girls. A very popular boys series was Billy Bunter.
Women were not really catered for, although I do recall The Lady and Every Woman's Encyclopaedia.
My mother wrote that the newsagents in Edmonton were the Swaystons, but I am unable to find
Swayston in the 1911 census. Perhaps they came later or perhaps my
mother did not know how to spell the name.
Pat Cryer, webmaster
I think the name of the newsagent at 117 was Swainston, a slightly different
spelling.
Pat Slocombe
Two other periodicals were Tits Bits and Strand Magazine. The first was little more than human interest stories whereas The Strand Magazine was filled with interesting information. We really looked forward to these periodicals with their little bits about the outside world.
If you have an old photo which illustrates the
way of life that my mother describes, I would very much appreciate a copy.
Pat Cryer, webmaster
Newsagents also sold tobacco, which was very widely smoked when I was a
child. Everyday pipes were made of clay and more expensive ones of wood.
This website Join me in the 1900s is a contribution to the social history of everyday life in early to mid 20th century Britain, seen through personal recollections and illustrations, with the emphasis on what it was like to live in those times. It is © Pat Cryer.
