James Gray: A photograph, dating from the early years of the present century. The horse and cart of Bell, the Butcher of 59 Preston Street, is seen standing outside Nos. 16/17, Marlborough Street and shows, next door, the premises of W and A Elliott, Builders. Note the birdcage, hung on the ivy-clad wall. jgc_26_190
2019: Gone are the ivy, birdcage and street lamp but Nos 16 and 17 remain though the windows and curbside railings have been modernised. The builders’ premises are now a private house, fronted by a brick wall and hedge. There remains a balcony at first floor level though of an entirely different design. (Photographer: Margaret Polmear)
James Gray: Photograph of the Old Fox Tavern, in 1924. Built in the 1830s, and at one time a greengrocer’s shop, it became a public house about 1850, known as the Old Fox Tavern. Why it was later known as the Old Fox is something of a mystery. It was closed on 30 September 1938, when the licence was surrendered but the words “the Old” can be seen on the Marlborough Street wall to this day. jgc_26_224.
2018: The building is still recognisable. The ground floor commercial premises were unoccupied and for sale at the time this photograph was taken. The old lettering on the Marlborough Street wall mentioned by James Gray can still be seen although it is much painted over. A street sign has been added beside the Marlborough Street side of the building above which a boiler outlet and water overflow pipe can be discerned. (Photographer: Mathia Davies)