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Shops in Ludlow between 1815 – 26 I have always found fascinating the ways shops in Ludlow advertised their goods during this time and the variety of goods that could be obtained from the most unlikely sources.

Take for example the printer, W. Griffiths, in Broad Street. He sold almanacs, pianos, coffee and a variety of chemicals. He also stocked ‘Ploughman’s Drops’ which sold for ‘22 shillings a large bottle’ This very expensive product was a bargain at the price because it cured ‘Leprosy, King’s Evil, Scurvy, Venereal Disease, Female Debilities, Heads, Fistulas without the knife.’ W. Griffiths also had time to be the local auctioneer.

The local chemists were W. G. Massey in the Bull Ring and Whittal and Bradford. You could buy, ‘eidlitz powders … prepared by Edward Bradford’. In 1822, the local chemists stopped supplying Oxalic acid after ‘fatal accidents’ had ‘occurred by the this similarity of Oxalic Acid and Epsom Salts.’ However, about a month after they did this, T. Griffiths, ‘Laid a supply of that Article’ after ‘the many solicitations of his friends.’

Mr W. Smith, made much in his advertisement that his goods were ‘At London Prices’’ suggesting that London prices were cheaper than those else where in those days.

W. Phillips, the tobacconist in the Bull Ring used poems and riddles oh his advertising bills to encourage custom. ‘What resemblance is there between Mr. Canning and a wild dog? Which European King of present day resembles most in conduct Rehoboam, King of Judah?

Come then friend whose white and savoury cloud, Now truth and virtue are so seldom seen, Shields me at evening from the vain, the land, And made me in the midst of fools serene.

Health bids me prize the tube of polished clay To keep afar infections from my lips, To cheer my spirits at the close of day, When sweeter mounts the cup that friendship sips.

Mr T. Andrews of Old Street, ran a ‘Register Office for Servants’ charging a fee of one shilling for his services. James Cooke of Broad Street made casks and in June 1816 ran this advertisement, ’James Cooke having lately purchased a large quantity of Timber at a very reduced price he will be enabled to sell full 20% lower than usual.’ Mr T. Oliver of Corve Street announced that he had ‘invented a Machine for the prevention of Smoking Chimnies that would ‘also supply that room with Hot Air and from a Cooking kitchen fire will secure any adjoining Room from Damp or Cold Air.’ Mr W. Jones of the bull Ring, later of the High Street , was aclock and watch maker and silver smith. He also sold fishing tackle. Also in the Bull Ring was J. Palmer the ‘Brazier, Tin and Iron Plate Worker.’

Although those businesses have long since gone you can still find a variety of independent shops in Ludlow including three butchers, four bakers, wine merchants, book and antique shops. If you are looking for Shropshire accommodation then try our self catering properties. There are three to choose from with a maximum capacity of 4, 5 and 6. They each have a garden and parking. TRG/2/09