Shopping In Seaview Road

Seaview Road, running from Liscard Village / Wallasey Road to the junction of Mount Pleasant Road and Hose Side Road, was originally known as Marsden Lane (named after John Astley Marsden who lived at Liscard Castle) but the road was actually named after a house that once stood where Harvey Road is today.

In the 1930s the shops in Sea View (two words in those days) Road were, from the Wellington Hotel, Haigh's the fish and chip shop, Mrs Hitchlock tobacconist, Bill Morton, the grocer, which later became Rediffusion the radio cable people. There was no televisions at that time. Subscribers to the company were supplied with a speaker and the programmes were relayed to people's homes by means of cable. The main receiving station was in Birkenhead. There was the tailor, Mr Feintuch, who was on the opposite corner of Silverlea Avenue. Next door was was the opticians run by Mr Harris. At a later date, Mr Hayes took over the business. He was a keen photographer and was the founder member of the Wallasey Amateur Photographic Society in 1904. At No.27 was Bill Molyneux, the butcher, and next to Whalley Chandlers was Irving Little, the paint people, and on the corner of Merton Road was Foster's, the greengrocers.

Fred Foster started the business in the arcade in Borough Road in about 1890. His brother, Charles, was also a greengrocer. Charles came from Lincolnshire and decided to come to Birkenhead with the idea of setting up some kind of business. He came across a chap who had a large amount of tomatoes which had been wet with sea-water as the cargo was being shipped to Birkenhead Docks; he sold them cheaply to Charles who then sold them from a garage at the back of Robb's Store in Grange Road. He sold the lot and decided to set up as a greengrocer in 1889 at 183 Grange Road and did well. He also opened another shop in the Old Chester Road. Fred's business in the arcade suffered bomb damage and was burnt down during the Second World War, but opened another one at the top of Borough Road opposite the Embassy. The business was carried on by his son, Frank, who opened the Seaview Road branch and then followed that with one at Moreton. There was also a shop in Liscard Road. Charles' son, Basil, was working for his father in Birkenhead in 1950 but decided to work for his Uncle in Wallasey. Increasing competition from Supermarkets soon saw the Foster's greengrocers close by the turn of the 21st Century.

There use to be a drinking fountain just by Merton Road in about 1874 and there was another one in the middle of the road at the bottom of Manor Road and Liscard Village. The one is Seaview Road was made in the shape of a shell. Other shopkeepers in the road in the 1930s included Walter Burrows, the grocer, Thackwray's furniture store and Bill Parry, the pork butcher. The Health Store was at No.43 for many years and John Wilde was the baker. Rene's Cafe opened in the late 1960's and continues to this day.

Liscard Palace cinema opened on 25th November, 1911 and Claude Adams was the manager in the 1930s. The best seats cost 1s. 0d. and 3d in the front stalls. On the other side of the entrance were two shops and the upper portion of the front elevation had arched windows and fancy plaster work. The cinema closed down in 1959 due to poor attendances. It became Lennon's Supermarket for some time then Gateway Supermarket. Today it is the Shoemarket.

No.57 was originally a private dwelling where Alfred Johnson., M.D resided. Later Dr. C Thompson, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O also resided at the address. The premises was converted into a shop and Mr Cohen opened a furniture store. Another popular furniture store was Mr. Steggles' British Furniture land or the British Furnishing Company at No.61. Edward Ellison established a tea shop at No.73 and was there for a number of years.

Coker's were the well-known florists in Seaview Road. They had their shop at N.67 and were the leading florists in the town after the Second World War. Their nursery was next to the Belvidere Playing Fields. Between Burns Avenue and Massey Park were a selection of houses and shops which were all demolished by 1982 and various car showrooms and car mechanics are there today including Stanleys public house.

On the other side of the road from Liscard Village there were the premises of Mr. Gibbon, the carriage proprietor, which was demolished in the 1920s to make way for the Capitol Picture House and the Capital buildings. The cinema was opened on Saturday, 4th September, 1926. Admission prices ranged from 6d. to 1s. 2d and the cinema could hold 1,390 people. It closed own in 1974 and went over to Bingo. Today it is an empty shell. There was a glass canopy outside the entrance with Barclay's Bank one side and Marriot's Ice Cream Parlour on the other. Later the shop went over to selling sweets and chocolates as well as cigarettes.

Lavell's were the confectionist's at No.2 in the mid 1950s. Mr. J.W. Horn, the gents' outfitter, opened a double shop at Nos.4 and 6 next to the Ice Cream Parlour. In the pre-Second World War years and right up to the 1970s, they sold a fine selection of men's wear, including a wide variety of shirts and hats. They also supplied school uniforms. Today it is the William Hill Betting Shop. Mr. R.A Strother opened a branch of his musical business at No.8 and Heavysege, the wine and spirit merchants were at No.12 as well as at No.50.

Ben Stroude took over the drapers (T.Evans and Son) at No.14. Mr Henry Grundy had a fancy goods and gift shop at No.16. He lived at 42 Serpentine Road, and his daughter was a well-known actress of the 1920's under the name of Betty Balfour (1903-1977). Betty played 'Squibbs Hopkins' in the 'Squibbs' series which were popular comedies and also appeared in a film directed by Alfred Hitchcock called 'Champagne' which was released in 1928. Betty was often considered as the "Englsih Mary Pickford". Grundy's shop was later taken over by Robert Knagg and Son.

Robert Yates Knagg was Mayor of Wallasey in 1949/50. Harry Holt had the chemist in the 1930s and continued after the war. Coffee Roast Bistro opened in the 1950s and has recently closed (September 2010) and at No.24 was Thomas the fruiterer.

In the 1930s Bethels's were the cabinet makers and furniture suppliers. Dickson's the cycle shop, Mr. Lewis the jeweler, and Max Novick was the tailor at No.44. Madam Black is where the ladies went to have their hair waved and set. Heavysege and Company were the wine merchants who went lower down the road to No.12. Two buildings that no longer exist are No.48 and No.50 which were demolished in the early 1980s to make way for the car park entrance. The last two businesses to reside here was Nelson Ladies Fashions and Mister Douglas, the ladies hairdressers.

Eric Ker Laurie, the watch-maker, established his business in 1914. In those days the shop was much higher up Seaview Road, being on the corner of Ormonde Street at No.114a. It was actually part of a property of Ormonde Street, which had been made into a shop. He was a time-served craftsmen and moved down to No.40 Seaview Road in 1940. His sons, Eric Kerr (spelled with an extra "r") and Keith joined the business in the 1940s. Sadly, Eric Jr. died when he was only 49. The Heswall branch opened in 1985 and there was also a branch in the Albert Dock in Liverpool for a short period. Martin Kerr Laurie, the grandson of the founder has been in the business for some 40 years. There was at one time a side entrance at 38 which lead you to the rear of the shop where Watson Jewellery Workshop was situated as well as Lauries Fancy Goods. On 23rd November, 1963 Lauries extended the shop to number 38.

St. Thomas Church was built in the 1920's, the foundation stone having been laid on 24th March, 1928.

Mr. Gordon Porter was the dentist at No.66 in the 1930's which today is a private dwelling. Next door was Mr. Herbert Wormington who taught the violin and his wife, Rosina, was a midwife. Further on there were more private houses and some shops, including Zoe Rainbow, who dealt in china and Mr. Roberts was the hairdresser. Mrs. Christie had the Post Office and Irwin's the grocers were on the corner of Thirlmere Street (now Drive). Worth noting that The Vineyard at No. 74 opened in 1985 as a wine bar, previously being Harlequin Group Accountants.

Looking At Seaview Road 1921 - 1967
1921		1955		1967
No.	Name	No.	Name	No.	Name
17	Herbert Haigh Fried Fish & Chips	17	Lloyds Bank Ltd	17	Huddersfield Building Society
19	Mrs Esther Hitchlock Tobacconist	19	Huddersfield Building Society	19-21	Lloyds Bank
21	John Irwin & Sons Ltd Grocers	21	Rediffusion (Merseyside) Ltd
Silverlea Avenue
23	J.Feintuch Tailor	23	a-Wilfred Smith - Confectioner b-M.J Moss - Draper c-W.Jones - Hairdresser d-Pullers of Perth - Dyers and Cleaners e-Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society f-Lee & Partington - Commission Agents	23	a-Wilson & Son - Estate Agents b- M.J Moss - Drapers
25	J. Davies Bookseller	25	W. Hayes & Son Opticians	25	Liverpool Investment Building Society
27	William Molyneux Butchers	27	William Brereton Butchers	27	W. Brereton Butchers
29	Mary Whalley Chandler	29	Reval Ltd Gown Specialist	29	Reval Ltd Ladies Wear
31	Mrs Ada Downes Ladies Outfitters	31	Pickfords Removal & Storage Specialist	31	Pickfords Travel Agency
33	Richard Connor Dwelling	33	F. Foster Fruiterer	33	F. Foster Fruit & Veg
35	E & C Wright Drapery & Fancies	35	a-Customs & Excise Offices Wrights (Wallasey) Ltd Ladies Outfitters	35	Wrights Ladies Wear
37	W.D Burrows Grocer & Provisions	37	Richard Quilliam Grocer	37	Richard Quilliam Butchers and Provisions
39	R. Jackson Ltd Furniture Dealers	39	Liverpool Savings Bank	39-41	Liscard Trustee Bank
41	William Parry Pork Butchers	41	George Dowd Butcher
43	James Ramsey Sknner	43	Liverpool Health Food Stores	43	F. Manning Health Food
45	John Wilde Baker	45	-Model Prams -Coleman Tailors -Scotty Lampshades	45	G.Coleman Tailors a-M.J Moss Childswear
Fairview Avenue
47	-William Peck Boadle Storekeeper -Ralph Bottomley Plumber & Hardware	47	Mrs A.J Reed Grocer	47	Finlasons Opticians
49-51	Mrs. Huss Tobacconist/ Confectioner	49-51	Arrowe Brook Cafe Restaurant	49-51	Rene's Cafe
53-55	Palace Cinema Mr Hodgson (manager)	53-55	The Electric Palace Cinema	53-55	Lennon's Supermarket
57	Alfred Johnson.,M.D Physician & Surgeon	57	Cohen's (Wallasey) Furniture Dealers	57	Cohen's Furniture
Seaview Road
59	C. Hodgson Dairy	59	Chadwick & Crowton Dairy	59	A.Antoni Fried Fish Dealer
61	W.E Nelson & Co. Estate Agents	61	British Furnishing Co. Furniture Dealers	61	British Furnishing Company
63	Mrs Phorbe Leary Nursing Home	63	Cain Bros. Ltd Coal Merchants	63	Cain Bros. Ltd Coal Merchants
65	Mrs Ada Hall	65	Z.D Vincent Veterinary	65	C. Steele Vets
Longview Avenue
67	John Farrell Clerk	67	Cokers Nurseries Flowers and Seeds	67	Cokers Nurseries Flowers and Seeds
69	Percy Edward Jackson	69	Robert W. Grant	69	Pringles Knit / Wool
71	Thomas Albert Clark Painter	71	-Sheila Wynn Gowns a-Tony Howley - Ladies Hairdressers	71	Mason Howley Ladies Hairdressers
73	Stanley Clifford Lloyd	73	Ellison Tea Co. Tea Dealers	73	Ellisons Tea Blenders
Burns Avenue
75	Aaron Smith	75	Mrs Marie McKennie Gowns
	Fairhaven Institute and Wallasey Labour Hall		Roycroft Caterers (Ballrooms)
77	Joseph Ward	77a	Rayner & Keeler Opticians
79	a-Martha Clare Music Teacher b-Henrietta Clare Music Teacher	79	a-Murray Gould Tailor b-Mrs Mary Clairmont (Private) c-Williams & Son Fruiterers	79	a-Murray Gould Tailor b-C.M Twidale Sporting Goods
81	Augustine Quinn	81	Joseph Brassey & Sons Building Contractors
83	James Barrett	83	Hardings Motor Coach
85	Annie Wade "Grove House"	85	Robert Stevens
87	Mrs Eliza Harcourt Wallasey Cats Home	87	George Bewley
89	James Malone Policeman	89	Arthur Dutton Tiler
91	Joseph Williamson Chemist	91	Joseph Williamson Chemist
Massey Park
No.	1921	No.	1955	No.	1967
		2	Tuckshops Ltd Confectioners	2	Lavells Confectioners
		4-6	James Horn Ltd Outfitters	4-6	James Horn Ltd Outfitters
		8	R.A Strother Musical Equipment	8	North Western Gas Board
		Capitol Buildings		Capitol Building
		10	Archibald Lane Estate Agent	10	Archibald Lane Estate Agent
		10	State Assurance Co. Ltd	10	State Assurance Co. Ltd
		10	National Savings Committee	10	National Savings Committee
		10	Scottish Legal Life Assurance Society	10	Scottish Legal Life Assurance Society
		10	North Western Gas Board (Wirral Group)
		12	Heavysege Ltd Wine Merchants	12	Heavysege Ltd Wine Merchants
		14	B.J Stroude & Co Drapers	14	B.J Stroude & Co Drapers
		16	Robert Knagg & Son Fancy Goods Dealers	16	Robert Knagg & Son Fancy Goods Dealers
		18	Nigel Gerrard Chemist	18	Rediffusion
		20	Joan Hallwood Milliner	20	Joan Hallwood Milliner
		22	The Coffee Roast Restaurant	22	The Coffee Roast Restaurant
		24	Mrs Marie Thomas Fruiterer	24	Greenline Fruit & Veg
32	Thomas Bethel Cabinet Maker	32	Paige Gowns	32	Paige Ladies Wear
34	A.S.A Dickson Cycle/Motor Engineer	34	Brighter Home Stores Wallpaper Merchants	34	Crown Wallpaper & Paint
36		36	Ernest Mitchell Boot & Shoe Dealer	36	Wearry Footwear
38	Mrs Margaret Wearing	38	James Orrell Baker	38	Laurie Fancy Goods a-Benson Carpets
40	Thomas Daniel	40	Eric K Laurie Ltd Jewellers	40	Eric K Laurie Ltd Jewellers
42	L. Novick Tailor	42	Llewellyn & Co. Cycle Dealers	42	P.Toner Toys & Cycles
44	Jessie Jones	44	Ryders Wool Ltd Art Needlework	44	Ryder House Knit/Wool & Knit Wear
46	Paul McGregor Miller	46	George Thurlow Corn Merchants	46	L.Cowan Menswear
48	Minnie Dean Milliner	48	Christys Corsetieres	48	R & B Nelson Ladies Fashion
50	Thomas Roycroft Electrical Engineer	50	a-Vaughan Confectioners -Heaveysege Ltd Wine & Spirit Merchants	50	a-Barbara's Ladies Hairdresser -Heaveysege Ltd Wine & Spirit Merchants
St. Thomas Church
60	Miss Ceilia May	60		60	Fell's Furniture
62	William James Collector	62	L.R Jervis Ltd Electrical Contractors	62	L.R Jervis Ltd Electrical Contractors
64	James Thwaite	64	James Lear Ltd Outfitters	64	James Lear Ltd Outfitters
66	John Edward Deane	66	Gordon Porter Dentist	66	E.L Barry Dentist
68	Herbert Wormington Mrs Wormington Midwife	68		68	Junior Age Childrenswear
70	Daniel Guy Salesman	70	Norman Darlow China Dealer	70	Rayner & Keeler Opticians
72	Florence Munday	72	J.N & W Roberts Art Needlework	72	Clenents Ladies Hosiery
74	William James Berry	74	Norman C Davies Estate Agents	74	Wallasey News Office
76		76	Pemberton & Sons Butchers	76	M.Pemberton Butchers
78	Frederick Wess Book Keeper	78	Maurice Livingstone Ladies Outfitters	78	Koffee & Cards
80	John William Holt	80	R. Daulby Grocers	80	Washgay Laundry
82		82	James Almond Fried Fish Dealer	82	Spooners Fried Fish Dealer
84	William Shaw	84	Mrs Lillian Farrer Furrier	84	Mrs Lillian Farrer Furrier
86	John James Prescott	86	Mrs Blanche Ellison Florist	86	Mrs Blanche Ellison Florist
88	George Graham Cabinet Maker	88-90	Seaview Motors (Wallasey) Ltd. Motor Cycle Dealers	88-90	Woods Motor Showrooms
90	John Unsworth
92	Frederick Flower Stationer & Tobacconist	92	John Ryan Vaughan Newsagent	92	John Ryan Vaughan Newsagent
94	George Joseph Sale Boot Repairer	94	Cecil Triplett Fishmonger	94	Cecil Triplett Fishmonger
96	Fred Seddon Miller	96	Sidney & Dorothy James Bakers	96	W & D Harper Bakers
98	Robert Fawkes Grocer	98	Fell's Furniture Dealer	98	Vogue Ladieswear
Edinburgh Road
100		100	Vogue Gowns	100	Edna Rands Ladies Hairdressers
102	Richard Robert Widdop	102	Broughs (The Cleaners) Dyers & Cleaners	102	Central Dyers & Cleaners
104	F.W Buxton	104	Lloyds Travel Agents	104	Gayline Ladieswear
106	John Naylor Butcher	106	Percy H Dobson Butchers	106
108	Ed Elias Roberts Hairdressers	108	Mrs Mary Martlew Ladies Hairdresser	108	L & Y Kirby Ladies Hairdressers
110	James Henry Blouse & Underclothing Specialist	110	T.D Eddows Fireplace Specialist	110	W.J Bampton Fireplaces
112	Ed Jones Fruiterer	112	Albert Edwin Harvey Fruiterer & Greengrocer	112	Harvey's Fruit & Veg & Florist
Ormond Street
114	Thomas Ambrose (House was later divided into two properties - 114a and 114)	114a	Z & B Williams Bakers	114a	Millman & Partners Estate Agents
		114	D.G Igoe & Co Electrical Engineers	114	D.G Igoe & Co Electrical Engineers
116		116	Stanley Johnson Plumber	116	Stanley Johnson Plumber
118	William Burton Johnston	118	Cyril Scholes Watch & Clock Repairer	118	Fancy Goods Ltd
120	Misses F.A Fisher Confectioners	120	Ariel Dyers & Cleaners	120	Antoni's Ladies Hairdressers
122	Thomas Helm Stationer & Sweets	122	Walter & Read Newsagents	122	Walter & Read Newsagents
124	Zoe Rainbow Chandler	124	Harold J Twinn Stamp Dealer	124	Harold J Twinn Stamp Dealer
126	James Wilde Milk Dealer	126		126	S. Demetlieu Fried Fish Dealer
128	Mrs Catherine Fearon Ladies Underclothing	128a	Donald Basil Morgan Wine Merchant	128	Mackies Off Licence
130	Madam May Milliner	130	Mrs Sybil Batting Baby Linen Warehouse	130	D. Mansell Childrenswear
Thirlmere Street
132	Wallasey Poultry Food Stores	132	Seyferth & Sons Hardware Dealers	132	Seyferth & Sons Hardware Dealers
134	-J. Stirrup Jeweller a-Miss Rimmer Sweets & Tobacco	134	a-Leslie Cowan Tailor b-Wallasey Radio - Radio Dealers	134	a-J.C Eames Second Hand Goods b-Wallasey Radio TV Repairers
136	H.Lord Boot Repairer	136	Edward Bowes	136	Christian Science Reading Room
138	W.H Wood Butcher	138	Miss Mabel Shaw Fruiterer	138	A. Norman Milly & Line
140	Mrs Margaret Christie Post Office	140	Albert Bosely Tobacconist	140	Albert Bosely Tobacconist
142	James Fairbank Artist	142	Scotty's Lampshade Dealers	142	Scotty's Lampshade Dealers
144	John Irwin Sons & Co. Grocers	144	John Irwin Sons & Co. Grocers	144	Gear Box Car Accessories
Grasmere Drive
any house numbers in grey are private dwellings.

Seaview Road 1898