Publisher's Synopsis
With its chic Continental atmosphere, tree-lined avenues and pavement cafes, the spa town of Cheltenham is a regional shopping centre. The origins of The Promenade, Cheltenham's best known and most impressive area, go back as far as the 1790s. Sometimes known as the 'Bond Street of the West', several businesses in this upmarket area date back to the 19th century. This unique book charts the character and ownership of many of the commercial establishments in Cheltenham, from the 1800s to the present day, and reveals the history behind the modern shop fronts. High Street, running perpendicular to The Promenade, has been the backbone of the town throughout its history, and the timber-framed houses gradually altered as Cheltenham prospered. Cheltenham Shops Through Time traces the commercial development of this vibrant and varied town. In so doing it provides a unique, commercial and social history of one of Britain's finest spa towns. Today, as the high street faces another challenge - this time from Internet shopping - it will be interesting to see how the current businesses adapt to face that test.
