24 High Street

The building which is now 24 High Street (Tabernacle Books in 2022) is situated on one of the 13th-century burgage plots running in a narrow strip between the roads now called High Street and Greyhound Lane; nos.22-26 appear to have formed one plot. It is a Grade II listed building described as follows:

House. C17, refronted mid-late C18. Timber frame, exposed in left gable wall. Front of colourwashed render with plain parapet. Tiled roof, brick stack to left is shared with No. 26 [King's Head]. 2 storeys, basement and attic, 2 bays. Fine C18 shop front with bowed windows flanking central door, all in wooden surround with moulded entablature on minimal pilasters. Left-hand window is 4-pane sash set in curved wall, right-hand window has 6 x 4 panes with thin glazing bars. Entablature broken forward over 5-panelled door with 2 slender Doric columns to front. First floor has 3-pane sash windows. Attic has gabled dormers with paired barred casements. Similar casements to cellars. 6-panelled ledged door to right.

No.24 is the white building in the middle of the row. The sign reads "Winslow Hand Laundry". Click on the image for a larger version.

The first known owners are William Benson of Aylesbury and his wife Jane, widow of Francis Woodcock of Great Horwood from whom she may have inherited the property. There was a boundary dispute in 1695 with John Chennells, the neighbour to the north, and in 1695 William and Jane sold an orchard containing 2/3 of an acre east of Greyhound Lane to William Lowndes for the Winslow Hall site, for £60 1s.:

William Benson and Jane his wife surrendered 2 leyes belonging to and used with the house in the occupation of [blank] Glenister widow, now in the possession of William Hunt, the orchard of Robert Gibbs and William Lowndes esq. on the south side, the land of John Chennells north. To the use of William Lowndes of Westminster, who sought admission through John Wyatt his attorney. Rent 3d, fine 2s, fealty respited.

In 1700 they sold the house to William and Ellen Shelton, who already lived in it:

William Benson of Aylesbury gent. and Jane his wife surrendered the messuage scituate in the Cowe Streete of Winslowe now in the occupation of William Shelton sr, with all trees, fences, etc. To the use of the said William Shelton, leather-dresser [alutarius] for his life, then Ellen his wife for her life, then William's heirs in perpetuity. William was admitted as tenant. Rent [blank], fine 5s.

This plan based on the 1880 OS Map shows no.14 and properties to the north involved in a dispute between Nicholas Merwin and Robert Gibbs in 1700. There was another entry (for horses and possibly carts) on the south side of no.14 dividing it from no.12. No.24 also had its own side entrance on the south later.

William Shelton died in 1728 and Ellen in 1735. Their heir was probably their son Richard, who lived elsewhere, and in 1749 the building is referred to as "the house and backside now in the occupation of Robert Hannah". It was bought, apparently in a year for which the manor court records are lost, by William Verney, who mortgaged it several times.

1768 manor court
William Verney of Winslow Glazier out of court on 9 Dec [1767] surrendered by James Burnham Deputy Steward a Messuage in Cow Street now in his own Occupation, with all Houses, Outhouses, Shops, Buildings, Barns, Stables, Yards, Orchards, Gardens, Backsides, etc.  To the use of Joseph Piddington of Winslow Yeoman, provided that if William pays him £102 5s on 9 June next, the Surrender to be void.

In 1775 a fire broke out next door at no.22 (then the Three Pigeons) which destroyed some of the outbuildings but apparently not the front. Read more. One report mentions "Mrs Varney" as one of the victims. The damage is mentioned in the mortgage below.

1776 manor court
William Verney of Winslow glazier and Ann his wife on 9 Nov 1775 surrendered a messuage in Cow Street in his own occupation with houses, outhouses, shops etc.  And all the Brick Timber Wood and other Materials in the Yard or Backside belonging to the Workshop Barns Outhouses and Buildings lately Burned down and destroyed by Fire.  To the use of Joseph Dudley of Winslow draper.  To be void on payment of £100 + 4% interest on 9 May next.

1777 manor court
William Verney plumber & glazier and Ann his wife on 4 Aug 1777 surrendered to John Pitkin of Mursley yeoman a messuage in Cow Street in their own occupation with Houses Outhouses Workshops Buildings Barns Stables Yards Orchards Gardens Backsides. To be void on payment of £150.
At the 1780 court it was reported that the money had not been paid, and John Pitkin desired to be admitted to the property.

William Verney was buried on 12 Dec 1777. His heir was his son George.

1778: Oxford Journal, 3 Jan
ALL Persons who have any demands on the Estate and Effects of William Verney, late of Winslow, in the County of Bucks, Plumber and Glazier, deceased, are desired to send an Account thereof to Mr. James Burnham, Attorney at Law, in Winslow aforesaid, on or before the first Day of February next : And all Persons who were any Ways indebted to the said William Verney at the Time of his Death, are requested to pay their respective Debts to the said James Burnham, within two Months from the Date hereof, who is fully impowered to receive and give legal Discharges for the same.   Dated 27th December, 1777.

1781: Land Tax
Owner & occupier: George Verney

1781 Special court
John Pitkin of Mursley Yeoman on 16 March surrendered a messuage in Cow Street late in occupation of William Verney deceased and then and now of George Verney his son to which JP was admitted at court on 26 Oct 1780 on the conditional surrender of WV.  To the use of Grant Hewiett of King street Cheapside London Merchant subject to equity of redemption of George Verney the eldest son and heir of WV.  GH by John Turnbull gent his attorney prayed to be admitted.  Rent 4d, fine 5s.  George Verney surrendered all right, title, equity of redemption etc.  GH surrendered to the use of his will.

Grant Hewiett was a wealthy man from Great Horwood who had prospered in London and invested in property in Winslow.

1786 & 1795   Land Tax
Owner Grant Hewitt Esq., occupier Francis Robinson   7s 9½d

1793: Will of Grant Hewiett, proved 1796
Leaves his property to "my cousin commonly called my nephew" William Verney Mallett, who was "now in the house of Mr Smiths Bankers of Aldermanbury". William Verney Mallett, cousin & devisee of Grant Hewitt of King Street, Cheapside, City of London, merchant, was admitted to the property at the 1799 manor court: All that Messuage or Tenement situate standing and being in Winslow aforesaid within this Manor in a certain street there called or known by the name of Cow Street formerly in occupation of George Verney, now or late of Francis Robinson.

1795: Directory
Robinson, Francis, Tailor

1798: Posse Comitatus
Francis Robinson, tailor

1805:   Land Tax
Owner Wm. Verney Mallet, occupier Fra’s Robinson   7s 10½d

The tenant Francis Robinson, tailor, bought the property from William Verney Mallett in 1808.

1808:   Manor court
Surrender: William Verney Mallett of Great Horwood gent on 2 June last
Admission: Francis Robinson of Winslow Taylor
Messuage in Cow Street formerly in the occupation of George Verney now of Francis Robinson with Buildings Yards Gardens. Rent 4d fine 5s.

1812: Will of Francis Robinson, tailor, proved 1813
He leaves his messuage:
unto my said Wife Elizabeth Robinson and her Assigns for and during the Term of her natural life And from and after the decease of my said Wife Elizabeth Robinson I give and devise the said Copyhold Messuage or Tenement and all other my real Estate unto my two Sons Joseph Robinson and Mathew Robinson their Heirs and Assigns for ever as Tenants in Common and not as joint Tenants
Elizabeth was admitted to the property at the 1813 manor court.

1814:   Land Tax
Owner & occupier: Mrs Robinson   7s 10½d

Elizabeth Robinson was buried on 21 March 1819, aged 69. Her sons Joseph and Matthew were admitted to the property at the 1819 manor court under the terms of their father's will.

1819: Northampton Mercury 16 October
Household Furniture and Effects, To be S O L D   by   A U C T I O N, By SAMUEL DUDLEY,
On Tuesday the 19th Day of October, 1819, on the Premises of the late Mrs. ELIZABETH ROBINSON, at WINSLOW, Bucks, (by Order of the Executors);
COMPRISING four-post and tent Bedsteads, with dimity and other Furniture;  goose feather Beds, Counterpanes, Quilts, and  Blankets, oak chests of Drawers, dressing Tables, pier and swing Glasses, mahogany, &c. Chairs, mahogany folding and round Tables, oak and deal Ditto, eight-day Clock and Case, oak Bureau, Fenders and fire Irons, Set of Tea China, Glass, blue-and-white Ware, and Earthenware;  kitchen Requisites in Copper, Brass and Tin;  hogshead and half-hogshead beer Casks, Tubs and brewing Utensils, cucumber Frame and Lights, garden Tolls [=tools?], Ladder, Wheelbarrow, and working Tools, with various other Effects.
The Sale will commence at Eleven o’Clock precisely.

1823 & 1832 Land Tax
Owners & occupiers: Joseph & Matthew Robinson  7s 10d

1830: Pigot's Directory
TAILORS. Robinson Jos. & Matthew, High st

1836: will of Matthew Robinson
... I give unto my said brother Joseph Robinson my moiety share and interest of and in the bed furniture belonging to the bedstead in the new room of our present dwelling house ...

The brothers, who lived together along with Matthew's children, both died in 1837. Matthew Robinson aged 57 was buried on 3 Jan; see his will. Joseph Robinson aged 60 was buried with coroner’s warrant on 26 Nov.

1837: Bucks Herald, 25 Nov
[Inquest held at Winslow on 21 Nov] on the body of Joseph Robinson, aged 59. As the deceased, a respectable farmer was returning the previous afternoon from some closes which he occupied at Swanbourne, he suddenly fell down and expired. Verdict - Death by the visitation of God.

1838: manor court
Matthew Robinson of Winslow shopkeeper held an undivided moiety of a messuage in Cow Street formerly in the occupation of Elizabeth Robinson widow, late of Matthew & Joseph Robinson his brother.  Matthew & Joseph were admitted as tenants in common on 25 Oct 1819 as devisees of Francis Robinson.  Matthew made his will on 2 Dec 1836 and devised his moiety to his son Francis Robinson, subject to payment of £70 each to his daughters Elizabeth & Mary Robinson.  Francis desires to be admitted.  Rent 2d, fine 5s.
Joseph Robinson of Winslow shopkeeper held an undivided moiety [as above].  He died intestate leaving Francis Robinson of Winslow shopkeeper his nephew and customary heir.  Francis desires to be admitted.  Rent 2d, fine 5s.

1838/9-1840/1: Church rate
Miss Ann Grace

1839: Robson's Directory
Brace & Curtis , The Misses................Ladies School

Brace must be a mistake for Grace, which is clear in the church rate book. Ann Grace, daughter of the schoolmaster Daniel Grace, married the farmer John Curtis.

1841 Census: High Street

Elizabeth	Curtis	20	born in county?	Yes
Mary	Curtis	10		Yes
Robert	Curtis	5		Yes
William	Curtis	5		Yes
Elizabeth	Foster	10		Yes
Anna	Bennett	10		Yes
Martha	Beseley	10		Yes
Rachel	Read	20	Female Servant	Yes

1841/2-1844/5: Church rate
George Mayne

1842: Pigot & Co.'s Directory
CARPENTERS AND JOINERS
Mayne George, High st

1844: manor court
Surrender: Francis Robinson late of Winslow shopkeeper and now of 15 High Street Shoreditch grocer & tea dealer in consideration of £390
Admission: James Hawley of Winslow grocer
Two undivided moieties of a messuage in Cow Street formerly in the occupation of Elizabeth Robinson widow, late Joseph Robinson and Matthew Robinson, now George Mayne. Rent 4d, fine 10s.

Church rate
1845/6-1846/7             unoccupied
1847-8                         Joseph Ingram

1848: Bucks Herald, 11 Nov
CAPITAL Narrow-Wheel Waggon, two stout six-inch wheel carts, ploughs, harrows, farming implements, horse churning machine with barrel, milk leads, ale casks, dairy vessels, about 60 lots of useful household furniture, chesnut cart mare, and various other effects.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY Dudley and Son, On THURSDAY NEXT, NOVEMBER 16th, 1848, on the Premises, at WINSLOW, Bucks, in the occupation of Mr. Joseph Ingram, who is leaving the same. The Sale will commence at Eleven o’Clock.Catalogues may be had at the Inns in the Neighbourhood, and of Messrs. Dudley and Son, Auctioneers and Land Agents, Winslow.

1849: special manor court, 2 July
Surrender: James Hawley of Winslow grocer & Sarah his wife on 10 Feb 1849
Consideration: £445
Admission: Thomas Willis of Winslow painter
Two undivided moieties of messuage in Cow Street formerly in the occupation of Elizabeth Robinson widow, afterwards Joseph Robinson & Matthew Robinson, late George Mayne, now Charles Scaldwell.  Rent 4d, fine 5s.
Immediately afterwards:
Surrender: Thomas Willis & Elizabeth his wife
Consideration: £480
Admission: Thomas Scaldwell of Stony Stratford leather seller
Conditional surrender by Thomas Scaldwell of Stony Stratford leather seller & Martha his wife on 2 July 1849 for £300 payable on 2 Jan next
To Edmund Southam of Buckingham doctor of physic
Two undivided moieties of messuage [as above]

1849/50-1863: church rate
Charles Scaldwell    

Charles Scaldwell previously had a shop in or near the Market Square.

1851 Census: High Street

Charles	Scaldwell	Head	married	39	Boot and shoe maker employing 2 men	b. Stony Stratford
Louisa	Scaldwell	Wife	married	35	Dressmaker	b. Addington
Louisa Catherine	Scaldwell	Daughter		4	Scholar	b. Winslow
Emma Jane	Scaldwell	Daughter		2	ditto	b. Winslow
Martha Ann	Scaldwell	Daughter		8 mo		b. Winslow
Ann	Simmons	Mother in law	wid	59	Retired dressmaker	b. Marylebone
John	Pollard	Apprentice	unm	?19	Shoemaker	b. Stony Stratford

1853: Musson & Craven's Directory
Scaldwell Charles, boot and shoemaker, High street

1861 Census: Buckingham Road

Charles	Scaldwell	Head	married	49	Boot and shoe maker master employing 3 men	b. Stony Stratford deaf
Louisa	Scaldwell	Wife	married	41		b. Addington
Thomas J.	Scaldwell	Son		8		b. Winslow
Charles F.	Scaldwell	Son		9 mo		b. Winslow
Louisa C.	Scaldwell	Daughter		14		b. Winslow
Emma J.	Scaldwell	Daughter		12		b. Winslow
Martha A.	Scaldwell	Daughter		10	Scholar	b. Winslow
Eva E.	Scaldwell	Daughter		5		b. Winslow
Ada M.	Scaldwell	Daughter		2		b. Winslow

1861: 4 June
Assignment to creditors by Charles Scaldwell, bootmaker

1863: Buckingham Advertiser, 2 May

VERY ROOMY BUSINESS PREMISES,
Comprising a Substantial HOUSE, with SHOP, STABLE, YARD, and GARDEN, situate in the High Street, Winslow, in the occupation of Mr. CHARLES SCALDWELL,
To be Sold by Auction, by Messrs. JOHN and JAMES KING, On WEDNESDAY, 6th MAY, 1863,
At Six o’clock in the evening, at the George Inn, Winslow.

The Property consists of a Dwelling-House, comprising a large Shop, with double front, two Sitting-rooms, Kitchen, Brewhouse, and Workshop on the ground floor;  Sitting-room and Four Bedrooms on the first floor;  and three roomy Attics.   Also, very extensive and dry Cellarage, suitable for Warehouses, in the basement.   A Stable for two horses, Yard, and Manure pit.  A very productive walled Garden.  There is an entrance for a horse from the High Street, and a convenient entrance for carriages from the back lane.

The Property is well situate for business;  it is now used as a Shoe shop, and is easily convertible for any other description of Trade.  The premises, altogether, form one of the most desirable properties for business in Winslow. It is Copyhold of Inheritance of the Manor of Winslow, the outgoings being a Quit rent of 1d., and a Land tax of 7s. 10½d. per annum. Possession may be had a Midsummer next. The Premises may be viewed on application to Mr. Scaldwell, and particulars obtained from Mr. Budd, solicitor, Winslow, and Buckingham, and from the Auctioneers, Winslow.

The "entrance for a horse" is visible on the 1878 25" Ordnance Survey map, but had been reduced to a passage behind a door in the photo below, and can no longer be seen on the 1899 map.

1871 Census: High Street

Henry	Sellar	Head	married	58	Plumber employing 1 man	b. Headington
Charlotte	Sellar	Wife	married	57		b. Marsh Gibbon
Henry	Sellar	Son	unm	25	Plumber	b. Winslow
William	Sellar	Son	unm	23	Plumber	b. Winslow
Mary	Sellar	Daughter	unm	21	Dressmaker	b. Winslow

1876: Harrod's Directory
Sellar, Henry, plumber and glazier, High Street
Fire Brigade engineer: H. Sellar

1881 Census: High Street

Henry	Sellar	Head	married	68	Plumber employing 3 men	b. Headington
Charlotte	Sellar	Wife	married	67		b. Marsh Gibbon
William	Sellar	Son	unm	33	Plumber	b. Winslow
Mary	Sellar	Daughter	unm	31	Dressmaker	b. Winslow

1886: death of Henry Sellar aged 73

This photo taken from the church tower is the earliest known image of 24 High Street (the white building left of centre), perhaps taken when the front part was Dr Kennish's surgery (see below)

1891 Census: High Street

4 rooms
Henry	Sellar	Head	married	45	Plumber & glazier	b. Winslow
Emma	Sellar	Wife	married	38		b. Lillingstone Dayrell
Earnest [sic]	Sellar	Son		9	Scholar	b. Winslow
Elsie	Sellar	Daughter		7	Scholar	b. Winslow
Beatrice	Sellar	Daughter		5	Scholar	b. Winslow
Thomas	Sellar	Son		1		b. Winslow
Presumably occupying the rest of the house
Isabella	Dunkley	Servant	single	21	General dom. servant	b. Nash
Thomas L.	Kennish	Lodger	single	29	General practitioner	b. Whitehaven

1891: Kelly's Directory
Kennish, Thomas Looney, M.B., High street
Sellar, Henry, plumber glazier & c., High street

Dr Kennish moved to Western Lodge, Horn Street, in about 1894.

1895: Kelly's Directory
Sellar Henry, plumber, glazier &c. High street
Sellar Mary (Miss), dressmaker, High street

1897: Buckingham Advertiser, 12 June
A substantially-built and well situate HOUSE, With Out-buildings, good Garden, and back Cart entrance, most eligibly situate in the High Street, in the occupation of Mr. Sellar. ... TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY Mr. GEO. WIGLEY On MONDAY, June 21st, 1897, at the Bell Hotel, Winslow, at Four o’clock in the Afternoon, in six Lots, by direction of the various Owners and Mortgagees.
...   Lot 2- A brick-built and part slated and tiled House with Shop front, very desirably situate in the High Street, also two recently-built and well lighted Workshops, Stable, Chaise house, large Garden, has a side entrance, also cart way approach from the back.  In the occupation of Mr. Henry Sellar. [purchased by T.P. Willis for £495 13s 1d (see below)]

1901 Census: High Street

Henry	Sellar	Head	married	55	Plumber gasfitter & glazier on own account	b. Winslow
Emma	Sellar	Wife	married	48		b. Lillingstone Dayrell
Ernest	Sellar	Son	single	19	Plumber glazier & gasfitter	b. Winslow
Elsie	Sellar	Daughter	single	17	Draper's assistant	b. Winslow
Beatrice	Sellar	Daughter		15	Dressmaker	b. Winslow
Thomas	Sellar	Son		11		b. Winslow
Doris	Sellar	Daughter		5		b. Winslow

1905:  Bucks. Herald, 22 April
Very much sympathy is felt with Mr. And Mrs. Sellar, of High-street, in the loss of their son, Thomas, who passed away on Friday night, April 14, after a long illness from rheumatic fever, at the early age of 15. A pupil teacher at the school, and a member of the Church Choir, the lad gave every evidence of a bright and promising future, besides being a great favourite with every one who knew him.

The Sellars moved to 24 Horn Street after this. Mrs Hornsby had been head of laundry at Stowe House and worked for the Comte de Paris, then kept a laundry at Akeley with her husband who died in 1905. She came to Winslow around 1908.

1910: Valuation
Mrs Hornsby occupant; T.P. Willis owner, house & garden

1911:  T.P. Willis sale, 29 March
Lot 8. A House, known as the Winslow and District Hand Laundry, situate in the High Street, Winslow, let to Mrs. Elizabeth Hornsby at £22 per annum.  Only five bids were required to secure this Lot, started at £250, and bought by Mr. Trollope, for Mr. McCorquodale, at £350.

1911 Census: 9 rooms

Elizabeth	Hornsby	Head	widow	50	Laundress on own account 4 children living, 3 dead	b. London
Bessie	Hornsby	Daughter	single	23	Assistance in laundry	b. Mortlake
Percy	Hornsby	Son	single	19	General worker in laundry	b. Mortlake
Kitty	Hornsby	Daughter	single	18	Assistance in laundry	b. Stowe
Robert	Hornsby	Son		13	School	b. Stowe

1912: Assessment (TNA, IR58/2347 no.125)
Situation              High St
Description         House & Garden
Gross Value: Buildings   £22 – 10
Rateable Value: Buildings             £18
Occupier Eliz(abe)th Hornaby
Owner    Wm  G.W. Willis, exor of T.P. Willis decd, High St, Winslow
Interest of Owner                            Copyhold (Winslow)
Occupier’s tenancy, Term             Quarterly
Actual Rent                         £22
Outgoings – Land Tax, 16/10                      Paid by                 L
Who pays (a) Rates and Taxes (b) Insurance       (a) [sic]
Who is liable for repairs                T internal, L external
Fixed Charges, Easements, Common Rights & Restrictions            Quit rent 4d
Former Sales      Dates                    4 Sep 1897
Consideration    £495 – 13 - 1                                
Site Value Deductions Claimed   Yes                                
[stamp] 31 JUL 1912
Particulars, description and note made on inspection     
Brick & Tiled House used as Laundry
Contents 2 Front Sit Rooms, Back Sit Room, Scullery, Kit, Cellar
First Floor 2 Front Sit Rooms 3 Back
Top floor 3 other
Brick & Slate Laundry & Ironing Room Coal House
Back house garden Back entrance
Lot 8 Mesrs Wigley Sale par(ticular)s
[pencil] 21 pole 23 yds                                                                                    
Valuation – Market Value of Fee Simple in possession of whole property in its present condition     £350
Deduct Market Value of Site under similar circumstances, but if divested of structures, timber, fruit trees, and other things growing on the land
27’ front @ £3/15/-                                                                                                                     £100
Difference Balance, being portion of market value attributable to structures, timber &c.                £250
Market Value of Fee Simple in its present condition (as before)                                                   £350
Restrictions         Enf(ranchisement) £15                                                                                    £  15
GROSS VALUE                                                                                                                              £365

The Winslow & District Hand Laundry sign is clear in this photo, probably from the 1910s

1924: Kelly's Directory
Hornsby Elizabeth (Mrs.), laundry

1928: Buckingham Advertiser, 14 Jan
A fire ... occurred at the Laundry which is situated at the rear of no.24 High Street, on Wednesday morning. These premises form part of the older buildings in the town, and for the past 20 years have been used as a hand laundry ... a stray spark from a stove in the ironing room ... was the cause ... [Bessie Hornsby] jumped into the yard below, a distance of 11 to 12 feet ... Winnie Price ... rushed off for the Fire Brigade ... With the aid of hand extinguishers the fire was overcome without spreading to the front premises ...

1931: death of Elizabeth M. Hornsby, aged 74

1939: Hillier's Almanack
24 High Street: Hornsby, R.; Hornsby, P.L.

1939: Register

Bessie C.	Hornsby	b.1884	single	Hand laundress, own account
Percy L.	Hornsby	b.1889	single	Coat[?] hawker, heavy work
Kitty C.	Hornsby	b.1892	single	Hand laundress, own account
Robert	Hornsby	b.1898	single	Army disability pensioner, casual worker