Charles France, fish and game dealer, 18 Victoria Street West c1902.

An original, unposted, printed postcard by an unknown German publisher. The style of the postcard indicates that it was printed no later than 1902. The decorations may have been for the Coronation of Edward VII and Alexandra on 9th August 1902. The Grimsby telephone system was launched in 1888, so Charles France must have subscribed soon afterwards to have such a low telephone number.

Note the wall-mounted fish and the rabbit sculptures behind the decorations.

Charles France was born in Old Clee in 1848. He was the son of Joseph Croft France (1902-1882), fisherman, and Martha (née Appleyard,1808-1888). Joseph and Martha were both born in Cleethorpes. They had at least six children, including Charles. The family lived at ‘High Thorp’, Clee. Joseph became a fishmonger in 1855. In 1861 and 1871, he and Martha were living in Silver Street which was almost opposite their shop in Victoria Street. By 1881, Joseph and Martha had retired to nearby Worsley Street.

Charles France must have taken over the family shop before his father died in 1882. There is reference to a game licence being renewed in 1881. In 1881 and 1891, Charles was living above the shop at 18 Victoria Street. An older sister, Susanna, also lived there as his housekeeper. (In 1891, they had a servant living there too.) In 1902, Charles advertised for a man to make deliveries with a ‘rulley’ (4-wheeled wagon). 1n 1904, Charles advertised for a strong youth to assist a rulleyman. In 1904, he offered for sale a 15 hands bay mare suitable for use by a doctor or for deliveries. In 1909, an advert appeared offering a room above the shop to let. A room suitable for use by a dentist/optician or as an office. Enquiries were directed to Blanchard and Lammin of 147a Victoria Street.

Susanna died in 1902. By 1911, Charles had retired to 186 Legsby Avenue. He lived there with a housekeeper. Sproston & Co., fishmongers and poulterers, had taken over 18 Victoria Street by 1910. They were still there as fishmongers in 1922. In 1924, the property was being offered as part of a parcel. In 1926, the property was occupied by Taylors Chemists. Most recently, the propery was occupied by Cooplands of Scarborough, a long-standing bakery chain.

Charles France died on 6th January 1927, aged 78. He is buried in Cleethorpes Cemetery, together with other members of the France family.

Research by Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum with assistance from Trevor Ekins.