I have shuffled and shopped up and down Castle Street for some forty years or so – things have come and things have gone – and continue to do so. High streets have always been subject to so many external forces, they reshape and reform, in rhythm with the times and tides of history.
Horse drawn carriages and trams are long gone, along with the double-decker bus, people powered people rule in a pedestrianised precinct, charity begins at Barnardo’s, the Co-op has been and gone and returned, just up the way.
Two whole chapels, pubs and cinemas seem to have just disappeared.
So let’s take a short trip through time and space along a short strip of Stockport’s past.
Get your boots on.
Pictures from Stockport Image Archive
Modern Mooch 
How it’s changed over the years. I seem to remember going to a cinema Saturday morning for children’s matinee it was next to the Windsor castle remember it had a naughty betting shop behind it
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My uncle Ron Johnson used to run a laundrette there – When i first came to UK in 2005 it was still there but then I lost contact with him good few years ago and i wonder what happened to him and his place…i may need to make a trip one day and see if i can trace him somehow.
Quality post btw, thanks for that.
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it has changed so much ,I worked at Woolworths next to the Windsor Castle from 1959 to 1961 , so sad to see what is left .
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Remember standing outside Potts shop waiting for the bus after work and hearing the news of Man United tragedy. I also used to go to Alexandra school until leaving 1955.
Many Many memories of the old clanking trams weaving their way up Wellington road and turning right at the war memorial to weave its way down Castle Street.
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Left there just after the Coronation in 1953. Still got my glass from Alexandra Park school. Used to go to the Castle cinema on Saturday mornings, until sad fire. Just about remember some photos. Well posted whoever !
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Happy to help Anon – I’m Steve
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Very Interesting…Thanks
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Amazing my wife and I have just had a quiz to see how many shops we could remember. I worked at the Coop butchers , Bransons butchers and Finefare during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Still trying to remember the name of the photographic shop between Finefare/ the Alexandra Cinema and Grestys.
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My uncle and aunt used to have a tobacconist/sweet shop on Castle Street as I recall must have been back in the 60s.
They were Charlie and Tessie and lived on Aberdeen Crescent in the 70s.
I only have very vague memories of the shop- can anyone help?
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Did your uncle have facial burns? Was he in the war? Used to visit the shop on Saturdays.
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my mum and dad had the butchers next to sivoires called smiths butchers
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The best sausages in the world, ever, were from the butchers nearest to Alexander Park (same side). Bought whilst living/borrowing a house in Torkington rd. around Xmas 1959 Been searching since then, (and I am 91) and have never been lucky. Can still taste them Of course, no “additives” in those days.
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I would love to know what was at 78 Castle Street Stockport in 1851 as my 4x Great Grandfather lived there. Email: skipper75.ce@gmail.com with your answer.
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