The names of stores on Ipswich’s streets are constantly changing, writes David Kindred.

Ipswich Star: Tavern Street looking towards the Cornhill in 1974 with through traffic and on street parkingTavern Street looking towards the Cornhill in 1974 with through traffic and on street parking (Image: Archant)

In recent years national names have gone from the town, Woolworths, JJB Sports, Blockbuster Video, Zavvi CDs and DVD’s, Comet Electrical, MFI Furniture, and now the the future of BHS is in doubt.

These names are, or were, big national names, the list of lost local outlets, including Croydons, Grimwades, Ridleys and Corders is much longer.

The photo above, taken by David, shows Carr Street, Ipswich, from the junction of Northgate Street and Upper Brook Street in 1974. The road was then open to traffic. Shops on the left of the picture included the Auto Magic Heel Bar and Radio Rentals television and radio shop.

Ipswich Star: Tavern Street, Ipswich, in 1974. This view, from near Dial Lane and Tower Street, features on the left Stuarts ladies outfitters, True Form shoe shopTavern Street, Ipswich, in 1974. This view, from near Dial Lane and Tower Street, features on the left Stuarts ladies outfitters, True Form shoe shop (Image: Archant)

On the right was John Collier tailors, Bricks mens store, Millets camping and clothing and Mac Fisheries Ltd. At the far end of the street was the Co-ops department stores. The Woolworths store is hidden from view.

Another shows Tavern Street looking towards the Cornhill in 1974 with through traffic and on-street parking. Included on the right of the picture are Richards ladies clothes, Lyons restaurant, Stead and Simpson shoes and Mansfield shoes.

A second photo from the same time shows Dial Lane and Tower Street, on the left is Stuarts ladies outfitters, and the True Form shoe shop. On the right was Ridleys outfitters, Boots chemists and Croydon and Sons jewellers.

Ipswich Star: The Buttermarket, Ipswich, in 1974. Shops then included (on the right) Ashley Russells ladies clothes and Frederick Corder department storeThe Buttermarket, Ipswich, in 1974. Shops then included (on the right) Ashley Russells ladies clothes and Frederick Corder department store (Image: Archant)

The Buttermarket can also be seen in the photos from 1974. Shops then included (on the right) Ashley Russell’s ladies clothes and the Frederick Corder department store. On the left are Wimpey burger bar, Murdock’s domestic appliance and record shop, James Parnell shoe shop and Cowells department store.

An older photos shows St Matthews Street in the 1950s. Atkinson’s butchers shop recalled by Judy Meldrum is second right, next to Brewsters Stores grocers. The public house in the centre was the Queens Head which closed on New Year’s Eve 1963.

Most of the buildings featured were demolished when this part of town was redeveloped in the mid 1960s. The St Matthew’s Street/Civic Drive roundabout is now in the centre of this view. Did you shop here?

Ipswich Star: St Matthews Street, Ipswich, in the 1950s. Atkinsons butchers shop recalled is next to Brewsters Stores grocersSt Matthews Street, Ipswich, in the 1950s. Atkinsons butchers shop recalled is next to Brewsters Stores grocers (Image: Dave Kindred)

Another image shows Mr Squirrel, a greengrocer of Spring Road, Ipswich, with his pony Kitty, who traded on the Ipswich housing estates in the 1930s.

Looking at those who bring our goods to us, we have an image of employees of Ipswich Co-op with their electric milk floats at the Boss Hall dairy Sproughton Road, Ipswich - can you add any names?

This coal man worked for Frank Freston of Princes Street, Ipswich. In the 1950s there were 13 companies delivering coal to homes when most were still heated by open coal fires. Do you remember counting the sacks to make sure you got the correct delivery?

Ipswich Star: Mr Squirrel, a green grocer of Spring Road, Ipswich, with his pony Kitty, who traded on the Ipswich housing estates in the 1930s.Mr Squirrel, a green grocer of Spring Road, Ipswich, with his pony Kitty, who traded on the Ipswich housing estates in the 1930s. (Image: Dave Kindred)

Do you remember any of these stores or delivery teams? Share your memories below or via email

Ipswich Star: An aerial view of Barrack Corner, Ipswich, taken around 1950An aerial view of Barrack Corner, Ipswich, taken around 1950 (Image: Dave Kindred)