Hanover Buildings and the changes since the mid-1800s

Travelling down the slight incline of this road past Houndwell Park towards Hoglands, one can't help but observe the vast influence of sociocultural evolutions, city development objectives and even the scars of Second World War bombardment. 

The road itself dates back to the 18th century and is shown on Milne's plan of 1791. It was built over an earlier road which followed the path of the town ditch.

Read more: Images showing changes to Above Bar Street >>>

In the 1930s the public house, the Hanover Arms, stood on the corner of Hanover Buildings with Above Bar, its history dating back to the mid-1800s.

The pub, then owned by the nearby Cooper’s Brewery, was a casualty of enemy bombing and consequently, because the licence was suspended in 1943, it was never rebuilt.

More than a century ago, the street directory showed that Hanover Buildings was unlike the place it is today. In fact, in 1922 it had an almost entirely different look and feel.

According to the directory among the properties were Jacob Cohen and Sons, naval and military outfitters, Madame Roses Needlework Agency, Mrs Crouch, a furniture dealer, a sweet shop belonging to P Cohen and Sons, Charles Seymour, a picture framer, Mead and Sons, printers who were about to move to nearby Vincent's Walk to make way for one of the best-known names in the local history of Southampton, William Burrough Hill, the auctioneer.

The opening of HMV in 1982. (Image: Echo)

Next came the Fur Stores, then Dr Anthony Batee, Ideal Films, and lastly was a bookbinder, HB Broadbere.

These shops provided an array of services for customers in the area - and they kept on coming.

The 1930s saw a range of businesses emerge along the road leading up to the Bargate, including Newton’s confectioners, Martin’s cleaners, Berry’s brushmakers, Woodhams tailors, Cook’s electrical engineers and Baker's hairdressers. 

William Burrough Hill in Hanover Buildings. (Image: Echo)

Immediately after the hairdressers came ER Wright and Son, the glass experts, followed by Mrs Williams, an antique dealer, the tailor, AE Pope, and Miell’s the auctioneers.

Other than William Borrough Hill, a notable name that stands out is that of ER Wright, a glazing firm first established back in 1862. Today, this business still operates.

The Wright association with Hanover Buildings began when Henry Wright set up as a glass, lead, oil, and varnish merchant, moving to the opposite side of the road in 1870.

Hanover Buildings - with shops such as Olivers and Coastal Cleaners. (Image: Echo)

When Henry died in 1914, the business became ER Wright and Son and under that name has carried on the family tradition ever since, only severing the Hanover Buildings connection when the decision was made to move to Litchfield Road, Millbrook, in 1989.

A variety of shops have lined the streets in the years since, including John Perring furniture, Keeling's gift cards, HMV music, Ponsford butchers and Mitch's hairdressers.

There's also been Halifax building society, Pizzaland restaurant, Safeways supermarket and more.

Now we have Rush Hair, Taco Bell, Bet Fred, Laura Ashley, Forbidden Planet and Cafe Thrive to name a few,