Draper’s shop. Stamford Street (Kingsway) Altrincham

In 1851 James Byrom established a drapery business in partnership with John Brownell of Stockport. The business was carried out under the style of Byrom and Company and the partnership continued until 1862. The original shop stood in the Market Place, approximately where Lloyds Bank now stands. However, in March 1868 the business was transferred to new premises in Stamford Street which were built from plans prepared by the late Mr. Peter Pons.

Four storeys plus a basement. The ground floor is now used as furniture showroom and is is much altered. A new entrance has been formed to the upper floors and the ground floor shop unit extended into the adjoining building. First floor - two sets of three round headed windows recessed within flat arches.Second floor: two sets of two round headed windows similarly recessed within flat arches.Third or attic  floor - two square windows. The decorative cornice between second and third floors apparent in the photograph of 1901 has been removed subsequently destroying much of the original composition and giving the building a somewhat austere appearance. Build of local red brick with stone dressings. Round arches formed of cream brick and stone. Columns between windows probably cast iron, "barleysugar" shafts with unusual garlanded capitals. The premises were the first in Altrincham to have electric lighting.

Reference    Chas Nickson  Bygone Altrincham 1935  Page 41
Reference    Gillian Fitzpatrick. Altrincham Past & Present. 1990 Page 40 (Photo)