Number 13

Introduction

A story of precision, public service, and changing vision

When John Jagger completed the Carr Lane parade in 1925, the row quickly filled with the essentials of a thriving mill village — grocers, bakers, and service trades. No. 13 began its life much like the others: small-scale, local, and versatile, adapting to each era’s needs.

Legacy

From gentlemen’s outfitters to opticians, No. 13 Carr Lane has continually adapted to meet the practical needs of the people of Slaithwaite. Over the decades it has dispensed everything from soap and spectacles to savings and prescriptions. Its evolution mirrors that of the village itself — always changing, yet rooted in everyday care and local pride.

Fun Fact

Upper floor never used as accommodation.

Listen to the history of the shop or scroll through the timeline. Narrated by Kate Jackson

Creative Response

So Much History is a blues-inspired song that explores the hidden history of a familiar building, uncovered by children from Wilberlee Primary School through creative workshops with Huddersfield-based singer, songwriter and community musician Jess Baker.

Jess believes singing belongs to everyone and is a powerful tool for community building; through her joyful, accessible approach, the song brings together young voices, local history, and shared storytelling across generations.

1926–1939

Hardware & Outfitters

The first known occupant, Ernest Edward Dightam, appears in records in 1932, likely running a small homeware or hardware shop.

By the mid-1930s, the unit housed Burras & Peake, gentlemen’s outfitters from Leeds, selling shirts, ties and overcoats — bringing city style to Slaithwaite.

One interviewee, Brian, born in Ryder & Dutton Jingle by the HAF project1935, remembered, “I got my first long trousers from Burras and Peake. I remember the man who served me. He was dressed immaculately in a dark suit and was very upright and aloof. There was an air of upper class in the shop.”

1939

Colne Valley Fuel Control Committee

With the outbreak of war, the shop briefly became the Colne Valley Fuel Control Office (1939), issuing coal and fuel rationing before the office moved elsewhere.

1945–1956

Swift’s Chemists & Wine Merchants

On 1 January 1945, George Frederick Swift bought the shop, expanding his chemist and wine business.

He served the growing post-war community with prescriptions, wines and optical services.

A 1956 newspaper report recalled a lost bag of prescription drugs along the canal — prompting a village-wide alert.

Later that year, adverts show the business passing to F. Ellis, Chemist.

1956–1978

Ellis Chemists

Under George F. Ellis, No. 13 remained a trusted village pharmacy.

Local adverts in the 60s–70s promoted Kodak film, perfumes and household favourites like Old Spice and Denim.

Ellis’s chemist served the community for over two decades until the late 1970s.

1978 - 2021

Building Society Era

In 1978, the Huddersfield Building Society opened a new branch here, managed by Peter Ainley.

To encourage young savers, the bank launched colouring competitions with characters “Mr Spendy” and “Mr Thrifty.”

After merging into the Yorkshire Building Society, the branch continued serving local savers for almost 30 years.

2021–Present

Valli Opticians

Valli Opticians opened at No. 13, bringing the story full circle to a different kind of precision. Founded by Moin and Rachel Valli, the practice joined the parade as part of a small Yorkshire group known for community-focused eye care. Dawn Sutcliffe manages the branch, which offers eye tests, children’s clinics, and vision care tailored to the local community. The shop’s role as a site of professional trust continues, echoing its long history of chemists and careful service.

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Number 13

Creative Response

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