Number 18

Introduction

A Story of Food, Craft & Reinvention

If the walls of No. 18 Carr Lane could talk, they’d paint a picture of fresh bread and oranges, with a glint of gold in the window. For a hundred years, since John Jagger built the parade of shops in 1925, number 18 has been a part of Slaithwaite’s story – from fruit and flour to fine jewellery – each owner adding a new layer to the parade’s character.

Legacy

From fruit to flour to fine jewellery, No. 18 Carr Lane tells a story of ordinary enterprise and quiet reinvention one trade, one family, one good idea at a time. With the opening of the newest shop on the parade, a new chapter has begun in the story of this much-loved shop.

However, somewhere in the archives lurks an advert for a Singer 29K171 boot-patching machine from Beevers from number 18 – hints of temporary tenants between bakehouse eras, perhaps. Like all good Slaithwaite stories, No. 18 keeps a few secrets.

Fun Fact

The only shop we don’t have any deeds for.
The first shop to change the front door, losing the recess.

Listen to the history of the shop or scroll through the timeline. Narrated by Chelsea Bellamy

Creative Response

This painting by Nicola Sills, a member of the Slaithwaite Sifters Community local history group, reflects her strong personal connection to the village and its past.

Inspired by a photograph found in Yorkshire Villages, the artwork reimagines Rowell’s as it appeared in the 1950s, capturing the character and atmosphere of the village through a contemporary yet historically rooted lens.

1926–1927

The Fruiterer Years – William A. Hirst

When Carr Lane’s parade first opened, William A Hirst set up as a fruiterer. He appeared in Kelly’s 1927 trade register and likely opened the year before. His short tenure marked the parade’s first taste of trade.

1927–Late 1930s

Kaye & Shaw

In 1927, Alice Kaye bought the shop from John Jagger. Records list the business simply as “shopkeeper,” leaving much about these years unclear.

Alice herself lived elsewhere, but her son Maurice, a trained baker, lived in the flat above. It is likely that he installed the first bakehouse oven in the rear of the shop — an important turning point that shaped the shop’s future as a bakery.

1950–1953

Armitage’s Bakery

By the early 1950s, W. Armitage’s Bakery and Confectionery was trading at No. 18.

With bread rationing only just ended, the smell of fresh loaves drew customers from along Carr Lane.

A 1951 Colne Valley Festival of Britain advert confirms the bakery’s place in post-war village life.

1953–1990

Rowell’s Bakery

For more than 30 years, Rowell’s Bakery became one of Slaithwaite’s most-loved shops.

Children called in for iced buns, while adults queued for custard tarts and famous bilberry pies.

With stained-glass windows and trays of cakes displayed like treasures, Rowell’s represented the golden age of the village baker.

1990–2013

Parfitt’s Bakery

Local baker and councillor Leslie Parfitt continued the bakery tradition into the 1990s.

His decision to move the shop door forward without planning permission caused local debate — but the change remained and subtly altered the look of the parade.

2013–2024

Hadfield’s Bakery

Hadfield’s carried the bakery through the early 21st century.
Although bread was no longer baked on site, the shop remained busy at lunchtime, serving freshly made sandwiches and keeping the tradition of friendly counter service alive

2025–Present

Mateer Jewellers

In February 2025, Mateer Jewellers opened at No. 18 — the first jeweller in John Jagger’s parade.
Run by Sam and Rose, the shop brought a new kind of craftsmanship to Carr Lane, shifting from the golden crusts of bread to the golden shimmer of jewellery, just as Slaithwaite marked the Moonraking Festival’s 40th anniversary.

Have you got some more information we might find interesting? Post on our message board today!

Number 18

Creative Response

More information and Links

Articles