Last month, whilst visiting my son and his partner in London, I noticed this retail premises on Mill Road, West Hampstead:
The old styling had me intrigued. Clearly, at one time, it had been a stand-alone property. Between the top storey windows you can see an inscribed plaque. It reads: ‘1884 – DEVONSHIRE HOUSE’:
1891 Census: The property is owned by Henry Forster, Draper, and he is living with his wife and mother-in-law [it seems likely that Henry had the house built and named it Devonshire House]
1901 census: Ten years on and Henry, his wife and 90 year old mother-in-law, are still living at 100 Mill Lane:
An old photograph of 100 Mill Lane. The date of this image is not known. I wonder if the keen-eyed dog in the top window belonged to Henry and Margaret Forster?:
12 December 1914, Hampstead News:
Following the death of Henry Forster, the history of 100 Mill Lane has evaded my research. However by the 1960s it was premises of the London Co-operative Society:
18 November 1960, Hampstead News:
Later, 100 Mill Lane became the ‘office’ of NORMAN MOTORS.
Footnote: I would like to write a poem about 100 Mill Lane. I may title it ‘No Patience with Doctors‘. If anybody can add information or memories please feel free to add them as comments below.