BEFORE this street was known as Grosvenor Way, this was called Victoria Street.

Here in 1891, from the right, the image shows number 8 and 10, the premises of hair dresser and tobacconist Thomas Kay, and next door, of oyster seller Tom Molyneux, whose other premises in King William Street are advertised on the shop front.

The Stafford and Northampton Boot Manufacturing Company's shop is decked with footwear at the front and, at the side, with interesting advertisements, including some for the men's headwear.

The building with an entrance to the left of the hoardings is the vaults of the ancient Golden Lion Hotel whose front door was in Church Street.

Long before the days of supermarkets shoppers would have to visit several businesses for their weekly essentials, keeping high streets busy and thriving.