F. Rowswell, Cycle Agent & Repairer, 53 High Street, in about 1910. Notice the cycle wheel suspended as a sign in front of the upstairs window, and the window display packed with all kinds of cycling accessories.

This wonderful photograph was kindly provided by the grand-daughter of F. Rowswell, Cherry Forray. She writes that her grandfather, Frederick Rowswell, opened his shop in 1907, following his marriage and move to Romford in January of that year. Like most shopkeepers of that time they lived behind and above the shop, so it was their home, as well as their place of work.

Frederick Rowswell died in August 1914. His wife Harriett (known as Hartie) took over the the shop, which she ran herself for about 20 years. At the same time she raised her four children, who were aged between six months and six years when her husband died.

Harriett never remaried, but she did get a lot of help from her church, St. Edward's, and from her neighbours. One neighbour sent her daughter to help with the children. Her landlord lowered the rent, and also gave her the use of about half an acre of land at the back of the shop, to grow vegetables and raise chickens and rabbits. The land bordered on the brewery, and the children loved to go and feed the horses that were stabled there.

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