Blackburns, St James Arcade, Moody Lane, Grimsby, c1970–1971

A view inside St James Arcade, the small covered shopping arcade running off Moody Lane from the Bull Ring in Grimsby. The prominent shop is Blackburns, Fruiterer & Florists, with its distinctive tiled frontage and large BLACKBURN lettering. The adjoining premises were occupied by Miss E. Watkin, Ladies Hairdresser.

The 1970 Grimsby directory records four businesses in St James Arcade: Blackburns, Fruiterer & Florists; Miss E. Watkin, Ladies Hairdresser; Johnson & Camp, Ladies Outfitter; and Studio G, Fancy Goods and Sundries.

The photograph dates from the final years of the old Top Town, when major redevelopment was transforming this part of central Grimsby. By 1971, demolition was already well under way around the Bull Ring and Moody Lane, with the historic streets and buildings being cleared as part of the redevelopment of the town centre.

This photograph captures St James Arcade shortly before its disappearance, preserving a small group of local businesses and a distinctive corner of Grimsby's old town centre.

From the Trevitt Collection.