Welcome to the South Cheltenham Local Traders' History Website

Cheltenham became a very fashionable place following the discovery of the natural mineral waters in 1716. The subsequent development of the town, with its spas, promenades, parks and avenues, brought people from far and wide seeking healing and relaxation. The area known as South Cheltenham grew up to service the more affluent areas and, with its large number of independent traders, has always been a hub for vibrant community activity. Click on a coloured area of the map below to read the history of the shops and businesses.

Mr Newman at the door of his shop

Why the area matters

The trading and residential community of South Cheltenham has some unique qualities that set it apart from other areas of the town. It consists of a wide range of small, privately owned shops, many having been in the same family for generations. There are three main shopping areas, each of which has its own special character and two of which are of particular architectural interest. It contains a highly diverse and multi-faceted population with a high percentage of self-employed and small business owners. The area has a large number of pubs, restaurants and churches and, with its natural food stores and plentiful cafes and delicatessens, is known for being the more ‘bohemian’ quarter of Cheltenham.

 Book and film

An oral history project in the  summer of 2011 brought together local schoolchildren and older residents, who shared their memories of shopping in their youth. You can buy your own copy of the book (for £25.95 + delivery) here.

About the website

This website has been created and funded by the south Cheltenham community initiative Cheltenham Connect, and tells the fascinating story of this very special area. It has brought together the work of a number of local historians and researchers, all of whom have offered their time freely to assist the development of the  project. It was officially launched on the 26th November 2010.

Our grateful thanks go to: Marilyn West (The Bath Road), the late Reverend Brian Torode (Tivoli), Jill Waller, Karen Wilson, (The Suffolks), Vic Cole (public houses), Eric Miller of the Leckhampton Local History Society and Michael Dower, formerly of the St. Philip and St James Area Residents Association (SPJARA).

We are grateful to Cheltenham Borough Council for their financial support through the Community Building Grant Scheme. The Cheltenham Local Studies Library has been an invaluable source of research material and the staff have been most helpful.

​Credit must be given to the British Newspaper Archive (http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/help/about) and in particular the Gloucestershire Echo has been a great source of historical material.

The Cheltenham Old Town Survey (1855-57) map is used by permission of Gloucestershire Archives, Cheltenham Borough Council and Cheltenham Local History Society.

Many thanks also to Graham Boston for the website design and to local illustrator Jane Farrar for her wonderful maps.

All of the photographs and text are copyright protected and we ask that you seek permission before using them elsewhere.

How you can contribute...

The website is being expanded and updated all the time. If you would like to get involved in researching the history of the area, have any local memories, or can supply photographs, we'd love to hear from you via our Contact page.

Download our Tramroad walking trail leaflet, produced by Cheltenham Connect in collaboration with St Philips and St James' Area Residents Association.