History

Walking down the side of Gwen’s Bargain Shop, the Cobblers was just behind

Originally, the ground floor included an alleyway leading from the street. This was later incorporated into the house in the 1960s. This alley once provided access to a rear cottage, where a cobbler operated his workshop with a single room above. Since 1670, the now Grade II listed cottage, along with the smaller adjacent cottage at the rear, has undergone numerous transformations, from The Packhorse Pub in the 1800s to a butcher’s and sweet shop.

Long before ‘pound shops’ became a common sight in town and city centres, Brigg boasted Gwen’s Bargain Shop. Upon entering you would be greeted by a Mynah Bird saying “na’then,” accompanied by the scent of Denis’s (Gwen’s husband) cigars, and the sight of a rabbit nibbling on a block of marzipan.

“I remember purchasing a tea caddy and tea strainer with my own money as a wedding gift for my sister when I was just a little girl. Years later, I bought a small tin drum with sticks for my daughter, filled with treasures. Stepping inside was akin to embarking on a magical mystery tour.”