Number 19

Introduction

A Story of Haircuts, Crumpets & Constant Change.

When John Jagger built the Carr Lane parade in 1925, he created shops designed to adapt to village life. No. 19 has done just that. Over the past century it has housed an extraordinary range of businesses — from hairdressers and crumpet makers to fashion shops and a bistro — each reflecting the changing needs, tastes and daily rhythms of Slaithwaite.

Legacy

The legacy of No. 19 lies not only in its remarkable number of transformations but in the memories it has baked into the village itself. A single building that has continually reinvented itself, yet always remained a part of the everyday lives of Slaithwaite people.

Fun Fact

The longest owned by the Jagger family at 83 years. The shop with the record number of transformations.

Listen to the history of the shop or scroll through the timeline. Narrated by David Brook

Creative Response

Rose Condo is an award-winning Canadian poet based in the UK She is the author of two poetry collections published by Flapjack Press. A multiple slam champion and two-time national slam finalist, Rose runs workshops for people of all ages, exploring wellbeing through creative writing. She is the host and creator of the new podcast, Have A Kind Word With Yourself. www.rosecondo.net

Rose’s poetry has been described as,

“Wonderful, soothing and soulful. Her poetry is a friend when the world is a storm.”

Of her commission, Rose said, “The stories and research gave me loads of inspiration for my poem, ‘Up the Crumpets!’ I loved listening to Elma recount memories from working in the crumpet factory. I had a delicious lunch in the Vanilla Bean Bistro and found the rich historical atmosphere another source of inspiration. I love writing in rhyming couplets: the rhythm and rhyming patterns help bring life and whimsy to this amazing history.

1926–1935

Beginnings and Early Trades

In 1926, local businessman Harry Webb opened a combined hairdressing and tobacconist’s salon, advertising with playful rhymes and even introducing ladies’ hairdressing. After Webb fell on hard times and the property was repurchased by Mr Jagger. The shop found new life with hairdresser Joe Jenkins, who ran a thriving business through the 1930s.

The story of No. 19 also reaches back to Ada Dyson, who lived on this spot before the parade was built. Widowed in 1925, she continued to live above the shop, working in the fish shop next door.

1936–1955

War Years & Bangham’s Crumpets

Before and after the Second World War, No. 19 changed hands several times.

By the late 1940s it became home to Joseph and Phyllis Bangham, who began making crumpets, even after plans to expand were officially refused.

Bangham’s crumpets became legendary — remembered as “dinner-plate sized” and toasted in front of coal fires, giving them their distinctive flavour.

1956–1978

Crumpets Take Over

During the 1970s, Valerie Pickering ran a cheese shop and crumpet bakery here, later joined by Elma Coppley.

Crumpets were made in a tiny, intensely hot bakehouse, using a cast-iron hot plate and a closely guarded method learned by heart rather than written down.

On busy days, up to 150 dozen crumpets were produced, with long hours, laughter, camaraderie — and always red cellotape to seal the bags.

After a few years, the business moved to larger premises, though many felt the atmosphere of No. 19 had been part of the magic.

1979–2005

Watches, Fashion & Bridal Wear

Watches, Fashion & Bridal Wear From the late 1970s, the shop shifted again. Harry Butterworth ran a watch and clock repair service, followed by textile and fashion businesses including No Nonsense Textiles, Glad Rags, Christal Fashions, and bridal shops such as Wedding Day Collection and White Lace and Promises. Throughout these decades, No. 19 remained under Jagger family ownership.

2006–Present

Vanilla Bean

In 2006, No. 19 was absorbed into the expanding Vanilla Bean Bistro, creating a larger dining space. Originally run by Janice and Eric Joyce, the bistro later passed to Matthew and Charlotte Castle. Food returned to No. 19 — this time on plates rather than hot plates.

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Number 19

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