Town Street and the Rectory Manor
Len Ware’s research places the building in the wider history of Town Street and the Rectory Manor. Historic maps and accounts help trace the changing neighbourhood around it.
The changing street address
Today’s No. 19 has not always carried that number. Len’s account traces a sequence from No. 7 to No. 9, before a later renumbering gave it its current address.
That changing address matters when following the people and businesses recorded here.
Nancy Byrt Welch’s drapery
Len’s research connects the earlier shop with the draper Nancy Byrt Welch and her daughters, drawing on business directories and later recollections.
Early records do not always give a street number, so this part of the story depends on bringing several sources together.
Moon’s bakery and café
By 1904, according to Len’s account, the Moon family was trading from the premises then known as No. 9 Town Street.
Later advertisements described pastries, confectionery, tea and refreshments, with rooms for visitors.
Stan and Pat Lewis’s butcher’s shop
The building later became a butcher’s shop associated with Stan and Pat Lewis. Len’s account brings together local memories of personal service and the familiar atmosphere of a traditional butcher’s.
His research records the shop’s closure on 6 May 1988. The precise date it first opened here remains to be established.
Madhatters café
For many people, the building is remembered as Madhatters: a small café with an Alice in Wonderland identity, serving breakfasts, sandwiches and hot drinks.
The Madhatters name remains on the shopfront.
Interim Spaces’ acquisition and plans
Interim Spaces is exploring future uses for the café and maisonette with the community, alongside plans to restore the building and host temporary activities downstairs.
About the research
This introduction draws on “Today’s No.19, Town Street” by Len Ware, alongside his supplied photographs. His acknowledgements include Somerset Reference Library, Somerset Records, business directories, local publications and photograph collections.
The history is being developed as further dates and image credits are checked. If you have memories or information about the building, we’d like to hear from you.
