Temples Bottom store

Such was the demand for a general stores in Biggin Hill that Thomas Temple opened his first store in the valley at the bottom of Stock Hill. The photograph below (which appears three times in this site) shows the store in the bottom right. Norheads Lane can be seen running in front, with Vale Cottages opposite. The present day roundabout at the bottom of Stock Hill would be where 'Biggin Hill' is written.

 

John Nelson

These next two old photos show the Temples store a bit closer. The site is now occupied by Roundway shops.

Mary Wilkinson sent me the photos and is pictured here with her two sons, Carl and Nicholas Jones. They lived at 13 Timbertop Road, off Swievelands Road, at the time and it was taken in April 1969.

Mary had two Aunts who were sisters, Mrs. Mabel Biddle and Mrs. Lucy Jones, who worked in temples as young ladies. They were from the Sparkes family who lived in Hazeldene, Jail Lane. Mabel served in Bottom temples and in later years returned to serve in Top Temples.

The date of the second photo is about March 1969 and you can clearly see the Sunningvale Avenue sign which gives an exact location for this photo. And to pin it down even further if you look at the third picture you will see No. 6 Norheads Lane which stands on the next plot from Temple's Store. It has a very distinctive gable roof and tall chimney on the side and can clearly be seen in the second picture as well.

Mary Wilkinson

 

Mary Wilkinson

 

Tony Lewis 2010

 

 

The following are a series of pictures of Bottom Temples Store from various years. Alas I don't know the years they were taken so they are not in any particular order. Thanks to Nick Couldry for supplying the photos taken by his father Charles.

 

Charles Couldry

 

Charles Couldry 1968

 

Charles Couldry

 

 

A great photo showing Vale Cottages before they were demolished leaving just one which still stands today. See 'Vale Cottage'.

 

Charles Couldry

 

A sad photo showing the end of the Temple's store in the valley. The stock has gone, the signs have gone and it wouldn't be long before the building is gone too.

 

Charles Couldry

 

The photo below shows the sign which use to be above the main door to the bottom Temples store. Although it was bent and split in half, someone took it and kept it. Thanks to John Nelson for lending me the sign for the photograph.