Having asked many people about their memories of THE
LITTLE SHOP we have found that it has had a variety of uses throughout
the years.
Rumour has it that it began life at around the year 1450, but we will be
able to be more specific when detailed findings have been revealed.
The shop is constructed of an original timber frame and contains many beams
which we hope will reveal the whole history of its existence.
When we began to renovate the shop there was a section of the building which
seemed to be hidden. When the floorboards were lifted from the first floor
we could see that in the cavity below was an inglenook fireplace, which you
will see today preserved for posterity. There were several layers of floors,
but they have had to be restored so that the building could be made
functional.
A detailed study of the building is being carried out and we look forward
to reading about its total history.
The shop was, we believe, a blacksmith, a stonemasons, a library - called
Four Square Library, a barbers. a dress shop with living quarters, and more
recently other businesses selling corsetry and ladies clothes.
We hope you find your visit to THE LITTLE
SHOP - and Ely - an interesting experience.
Gordon and Margaret Day |
