PG Vintage Flea is taking place in what used to be Iceland supermarket on Green Lanes but who were the previous occupants of this substantial building? With the help of local historian Sue Beard we’ve unearthed it’s history right back to when it was first constructed in the 1920s.
Situated right on the Triangle in Palmers Green, many of you will remember 240-244 Green Lanes as Woolworths. This well-known shop, selling everything from records to pick n mix. In its heyday Woolworths had over 800 stores across the UK until it’s sad demise in 2008 , like so many of our big high street brands. The Palmers Green store closed its doors for the final time in December 2008.
The branch in Palmers Green was the first occupant of 240-244 Green Lanes, which was constructed in 1922. This picture taken in 1917 shows the building that stood there prior to 1922, originally, Hill House.
Image copyright Enfield Local Studies
Originally a division of the F. W. Woolworth Company based in America, the first Woolworth store opened in Liverpool in 1909. After the first world war the company continued to expand and by 1923 there were 130 stores including the one in Palmers Green.
Here it is in 1960.
Image copyright Enfield Local Studies
After Woolworths closed, Iceland moved in but they too moved out earlier this year.
We may not be able to bring back Woolworths but perhaps we can bring back some of it’s retro charm for two days during PG Vintage Flea! www.tattybits.co.uk/pgflea
Images copyright Enfield Local Studies
Sue Beard is author of the local history blog Palmers Green Jewel in the North