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 once known as South Town 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
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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, some having been in the same family for generations. There are three main shopping areas, Bath Road, the Suffolks and Tivoli. Each of these has its own special character and two of them are of particular architectural interest. The area is home to a diverse population with a high percentage of self-employed and small business owners. There are a number of pubs, restaurants and churches and, with its natural food stores and plentiful cafes and delicatessens, this is known for being the more ‘bohemian’ quarter of Cheltenham.
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Guided Walks
Guided walks of the area based upon the website are available for groups of up to 15 people. If you are interested please get in touch through the Contact page.
Alternatively you can download a copy of our self-guided tour by clicking the icon below.
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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.