The ongoing work in Fisherton Street has, no doubt, had an adverse effect on the independent shops which trade there. I recently found this advert for a Fisherton St shop which gives a fascinating picture of a bygone age.

In 1944, Mr. James Asbridge was celebrating 50 years of trading from the same premises – a record at the time. Mr Asbridge who was a watchmaker and jeweller of 23 Fisherton Street was born and served his apprenticeship in Andover as well as gaining some experience in London. He then set up business in Salisbury in 1894 where some of the other shops included Moody’s (house furnishers), Mrs Pike (tobacconist), Bridle’s (hairdresser), Mr Smith (music seller) and Read and Son’s (coal merchants).

During his half-century, Mr Asbridge witnessed many changes in the city, notably in the condition of the streets. Road surfaces had vastly improved and gas lights had given place to electric lights. Mr Rambridge was one of the first tradesmen to have his premises electrically lighted.

Considerable changes had also occurred in connection with Mr Asbridge’s early trading. For instance, there were no wristwatches and all the watches then sold were much bigger than those of today. Ladies used to wear long gold chains, often doubled, around their necks, and they were fond of large brooches, with earrings to match. Wedding rings were much wider and sold with another ring known as a “keeper” and this was usually engraved on the inside with initials and date, and sometimes a word such as “Mizpah,” a word from Genesis xxi, 49, “The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another.”

During his long residence in Fisherton Mr Asbridge was associated with St Paul’s Church. In 1902 he married Miss E M Pike and they had two sons.