Memories of Bracknell Forest: Shops

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Lawrences Stores

Originally called 'The Bracknell Stores', this department store opened in 1885. It was owned by Thomas Lawrence, proprietor of the local Thomas Lawrence Brickworks (TLB)

The building was constructed using TLB bricks in an Elizabethan style with the top floor containing flats for employees to live in. The store soon became one of the largest local employers with 130 employees by 1900. In 1903 it became Lawrence’s Stores Ltd and had branches in Ascot, Wokingham, Camberley and Crowthorne.

The store was famous for the variety of goods which it stocked; from the cellar Bass Ale, Guinness Stout, Pilsner Larger Beer and Anglo-Bavarian Ales could be purchased. These were all bottled on the premises. There was a large grocery department, drapery, dressmaking, haberdashery, china & glass, furniture, iron mongers and outdoor games department.
Lawrence's stores went into liquidation in 1932 and the building was subsequently the site for Timothy Whites, Boots and International Stores. Enid Wood House, which now occupies the site, was designed in an attempt to reflect the style of the original building.

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Images of Lawrences Stores

Photograph showing an aerial view of Lawrences Department Store, Bracknell

Photograph of Lawrences's Stores on Bracknell High street

Portrait drawing of Thomas Lawrence 1840 -1901

Photograph of original Thomas Lawrence Stores Sign

Photograph of Bracknell High street showing International Stores (formerly Lawrences's Stores Ltd)

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