69–70: Pens Plus
Nos. 69 and 70 are the two halves of this long green building. It dates from the eighteenth century, but has a modern stuccoed front. There is an eighteenth-century staircase and panelling inside.
The building is Grade II listed (ref. 1485/407).
At the time of the 1851 census, James Dormer, the grocer at No. 69, lived over the shop with his wife and seven children, plus three servants and his assistant grocer, as well as a lodger (a solicitor’s widow) and her servant. No. 70 was still a private shop, occupied by Richard Blake, a Common Room man of University College, with his wife and servant.
In 1861, Charlie Laker, the grocer, lived over his shop at No. 69: he was a widower with one daughter and his sister was his housekeeper. By 1881 he had remarried, and still lived here.
In 1901 Walter Andrews, the china & glass dealer, lived over No. 69 with his wife and five children.
In 1881 a journeyman tailor called Roger Simmons lived over No. 70 with his wife, three children, and niece.
| Occupiers of 69 & 70 High Street | ||
| Date | 69 High Street | 70 High Street |
| By 1839–1851 | James
Dormor Grocer etc. |
Various tenants: |
| 1851–1899 | Charles
Laker Grocer & wine merchant | |
| 1901–1931 | Walter
E. Andrews & Son China & glass dealers | |
| 1932–1945 | H.
Kelson & Son Tailors, hosiers, outfitters, & robemakers (1932–1938) R. J. Bartlett Tailor (1939–1945) | P.
W. Powell, Antique dealer (1932 only) Eamonson & Stanton Health food stores (1934 only) Oxford Health Food Stores (from 1935) |
| 1947–1966 | Scottish
Amicable Building Society (1947–1958) Russell Butler & Marks Auctioneers & estate agents, also agents for Bristol & West Building Society (1962–1966) | Oxford Health Food Stores |
| 1968–1980+ | Miell & Co. Accountants (from 1966) |
R. C. Phillips Ltd Pen distributors |
| By 1993–present | Pens Plus Dealers and repairers of vintage & modern writing equipment Upstairs: Part of Stanford House | |