Kent - TUNBRIDGE WELLS - 12 Bayhall Road - James Bellingham - Grocer/Draper - RP

VINTAGE
B/W REAL PHOTOGRAPHIC
POSTCARD - c.1905?

CAPTIONED/DEPICTING

James Bellingham
Grocer/Draper
12 Bayhall Road
TUNBRIDGE WELLS

My research, which I believe to be correct after cross-referencing
local Trade Directories and Census Returns, has led me to give the
above description to this particular card, likely dating to around 1905.

Above the window on the side of the shop is the name BELLINGHAM
and it is probably James standing on the left, in the white overalls.
Married to Martha (nee Bean), they had five children, two of whom
are probably posing for the camera, with their mother on the r-h side.

The contents of the shop premises, as well as those in the adjoining
dwelling were offered-up for auction in September 1906, including
"mahogany-topped counters with drawers, tea canisters, scales and
weights, sack weighing machine, spring hand cart, currant cleaning
machine, fireproof-safe, & remaining Stock-in-Trade, etc.," from the
shop.

The card was addressed (but not posted) to Alexander Eldridge Jnr., 
at Rolfe's Farm,(Witherenden Lane), Mayfield, Sussex; the message 
mentions the receipt of "a P.C. from Arthur" who was JB's third child.

Interestingly, the 1899 Kelly's Directory shows two Grocers in the name
of Bellingham - James at 8 Bayhall Road & Thomas at 23 Bay Hall Road
(Note the variation in spelling of the road name! - A printer's error?)

CARD DETAILS
APPROX. SIZE: 5.5" x 3.5" (Standard)
PUBLISHER: Not stated
No.: None
POSTED?: No, but written on
RECIPIENT: Mr. A. Eldridge Jnr., Rolfe's Farm, Mayfield, Sussex.

CARD CONDITION
ALBUM MARKS: Light, but visible
EDGES: Fine
CORNERS: Fine
IMAGE SURFACE: Minimal wear/marks
REVERSE SIDE: Fine
OTHER OBSERVATIONS: -

OVERALL CONDITION
POOR - FAIR - GOOD - VERY GOOD++ - EXCELLENT - MINT
Poor = I would not sell the item in the first place!
Fair = Acceptable to sell with all faults described, but by no means a collectors gem
Good = Several faults, but probably not of too serious a nature
Very Good = One or more faults of a minor nature (not detracting)
Excellent = No major faults visible, minimal wear
Mint = As you would expect, New or As New (check description)

<==============THE SMALL PRINT==============>
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