RootsChat.Com
England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Northumberland => Topic started by: Sio on Monday 13 November 06 00:07 GMT (UK)
-
Hello,
I am interested in collecting memories of customers/staff/anyone connected to Ryle Ltd of Whitley Bay. It was a family business founded by my great-grandmother, Sarah Isabella Ryle (née Jackson), originally in Swalwell and then Whitley Bay, with another branch in Hexham during the World War 2. It was continued by her children until the 1950s .
I would like to hear of any stories to do with the department store, which from what I gather was very elegant and stylish. Its bridal salon and tea room must have provided a few stories too! I would be thrilled if anyone had any photos aswell, as very few have survived.
Also any of the same for her daughter Annie Ryle's separate store in Whitley Bay.
Thanks,
Siobhán Ryle
-
Hi Siobhan
Ryles was THE department store in Whitley Bay. I lived just around the corner and it was definately out of our price league. We just adored looking at all the beautiful clothes and occasionally walked through just for the fun of it. We came home with ideas for my mother to make our dresses, skirts and blouses. The only time I bought anything was around 1960 - it was a ski jumper in the sales, cost the fantastic sum of £10 and I still have it. I refuse to part with it as it is memento of my youth!!
Marion
-
Thanks for that great description. I wish I could have seen it but I was born too late! I believe it was pricey alright!! I do know that the top names would not come cheap either! I have only seen jewellery from Ryle Ltd that a 90 year old still has and it is really is strikingly modern even now.
-
Hi Siobhan, My mother Florence ( Flossie ) Bell served her time ( apprenticeship) as a dressmaker at Ryles of Whitley Bay and boy was she good at it! she started there in 1936 straight after leaving school at the age of 14, she had her time there interrupted by the second world war when she went into Fords factory at Trafford park Manchester making merlin engines for Lancaster bombers and spitfires, this was some change for a dressmaker eh, The name Ryles certainly carried some cache, she used to make gowns and wedding dresses for the rest of her life and there were always women coming to our home for fittings and alterations. She finished her long carrer in the trade working for Dukes and Marcus as a Sample Dressmaker making the dresses for the salesmen to take on the road with them and as you can imagine they were and had to be just perfect!
She always spoke fondly of her time at Ryles and all I can remember is that she worked with Peggy Carr from Newsham Blyth.
My mother died in 1989. regards Malcolm Common, Blyth.
-
Hi, my name is Alison Walton, birth name Ryles.
A friend of mine works in the shop that was originally known as Ryles Ltd. I called in the shop today for the first time and on talking to the shop owner I found out the name of the original shop. As I walked about I spoke to a gentleman upstairs who was dressed in a Blue consierge's uniform which I found quite odd as it was so old fashioned. I asked the owners if they knew they had a ghost and they said that they thought they might have but that no one had seen it. I the proceeded the discribe this gentleman to them and thats when I found out about Ryles the department store. Also there is a lady who is also there who I believe was in charge of the Tea-shop that was there at that time. Could you send me some more details of this shop and its staff and also a bit on the family history. It would be really special if I could be part of its history.
Yours Alison
-
Alison,
Ryles were at 340 Whitley Road, in Whitley Bay. What shop is that now ?
Michael
-
Michael
Ryles Department Store was on Park View on the corner with Roxburgh Terrace, it took up a considerable site. In recent years it has been a health club. I have not been there for a few years - if it was ever on Whitley Road, it must have been before the 1950's as I lived on the next road to Roxburgh Terrace and saw it most days on my way to school.
Marion
-
Marion,
Thanks for your info. Although I am a native of nearby Blyth and visit Whitley Bay regularly, I am no expert on the town.
I got my info ( that it was at 340 Whitley Road) straight out of Ward's Trade Directory, years 1926 and 1936
Entered as " Madam Ryle, The Ladies Wear Specialists" in 1926. Telephone Number 356. With Residence as 10 Kings Drive.
I went for early record as Alison had mentioned that the gentleman's uniform was old-fashioned !
But next time I am in Newcastle Library or Tyne & Wear Archives, I will have a browse of a wider range of directories.
I tried ringing the telephone number but did not get through !
Michael
-
Hi I am the current tenant in Ryles, we have had the building for seven years. I have heard hundreds of stories about the building. Various ladies coming in having either worked here, and lots reminising of what they bought here over the years. Particulary the staircase brings back lots of memories for lots of people. The building is 82 Park View and we currently have it as Blueberry Square a furniture and gift shop, and previously we had our bathroom shop Domani Bathrooms here. The original department store was larger than our section. it combined what is now Clarks and Newcastle building societyand Rooks sawyer and Mathews. The whole block is called Ryles Buildings and is owned by the same landlord. I would also love to see any photos of the old building. I have asked lots of people who mention it.
-
Ryle Rags to Riches.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1851 Census South Hetton 2392-381-27
Head William Ryle 44 yrs, Fireman b.Newcastle
Wife Isabella Ryle 40 b.Gateshead
Son JOHN HOOD Ryle 11 b.Byker Hill
Son WILLIAM Ryle 8 b. Low Elswick
Dtr Margaret Ryle 2 b. Low Elswick
Son Robert Ryle 15 b.Low Elswick
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1861 Census Carrville, Belmont Durham 3742-83-15
William Ryle 54 Labourer b. Newcastle
Isabella Ryle 48 b.Winlaton
JOHN Ryle 21 coal miner b. Elswick
WILLIAM Ryle 18 coal miner b. Elswick
Margaret Ryle 13 b.Elswick
Mary A Ryle 9 b.Elswick
Wife's mother Ann Bagnall, widow 86, b Haswell.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1871 Census Cuthbert St, Blaydon, 5066-47-53
William Ryle 64 miner b.Newcastle
Isabella Ryle 59 b.Winlaton
---------
1871 Census. Long Rigg, Swalwell 5064-70-12
JOHN H RYLE 31 Coal miner & Newsagent b.Elswick
Ann Ryle 28 b. Wreckenton
Dtr Isabell Ryle 8
Dtr Ann R Ryle 7
Dtr Margaret Ryle 4
-------------
1871 Census. Blaydon. 5066-64-6
WILLIAM RYLE 28 miner b.Elswick
Jane Ryle 24 b. Durham, Heat ??
Dtr Mary Ryle 2 b.Blaydon
John William Ryle 4 months b.Blaydon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1881 Census. Bridge Row No1 Swalwell 5043-79-26
William Ryle 74 retired coal miner b.Newcastle
Isabella Ryle 69, b.Winlaton
----------
1881 Swalwell East, Grocer's Shop 5043-78-34
JOHN H Ryle 41 Shopkeeper b.Newcastle
Ann Ryle 38 b.Gateshead
Dtr Isabella Ryle 18 Assistant grocer b.Gateshead
Dtr Ann Ryle 17 Assistant Grocer b.Gateshead
Dtr Margaret 14 scholar b.Winlaton
SON MATTHEW RYLE 9 b.Whickham
Son John H Ryle 7 b.Whickham
----------------
1881 Census Hey???? Rd, West Swalwell 5043-77-22
WILLIAM RYLE 38 Grocer b.Newcastle
Jane Ryle 34 b.Ferry Hill
Dtr Mary Ryle 12 b.Blaydon
Son John W Ryle 8 b.Blaydon
Dtr Frances Ryle 6 b.Blaydon
Dtr Isabella Ryle 3 b. New Benwell
Son Joseph Ryle 2 months b. Swalwell
Servant Hannah Dargue 16/18 ? b.Spennymoor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
More to come....
Michael
-
The Ryle Dynasty.............
Matthew Ryle born circa 1872 Whickham, son of John Hood and Ann Ryle.
On the 1891 census ( 4206-101-15) Matthew is one of dozens of young draper assistants, apprentices, clerks, from all over, England, Scotland, Ireland, lodging in a "Bainbridge Lodging House" in 28 Ellison Place, Newcastle.
Bainbridge was one of Newcastle's department stores.
1891 Census Spencers Bank, Swalwell 4187-78-34
JOHN HOOD RYLE 54 Shopkeeper, Grocer, Draper & Newsagent
b. Newcastle
Ann Ryle 48 b. Whickham
John Ryle 16 Grocer's App. b.Swalwell
Edward Robson Ryle 9 b. Blaydon
Dtr Margaret Reay married 25 b.Blaydon
G/son John E Reay 3 months b. Dunston
---------------------
1891 Census Whickham Rd, Swalwell 4187-55-30
WILLIAM RYLE 43 Grocer & Provision Dealer, b.Elswick
Jane Ryle 44 b. Hett
Dtr Mary 22 b.Blaydon
Son John W 20 Grocers Asst. B. Blaydon
Dtr Margaret 18 Grocers Asst b. Blaydon
Dtr Frances 16 Grocers asst b. Blaydon
Dtr Isabella 13 b. Benwell
Son Joseph 10 b. Swalwell
Dtr Jane 7 b.Swalwell
Son Robert 4 b.Swalwell
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Then the move to Whitley...............
1901 Census 11 Marine Avenue Whitley 4805-67-27
JOHN H RYLE 61 retired Grocer b. Newcastle
Ann Ryle 58 b. Wreckenton
Son Edward 19 Grocer b. Whickham
---------------
1901 Census 58 Park Avenue, Whitley, 4805-64-21
WILLIAM RYLE 58 retired Grocer, b. Elswick
Jane Ryle 54 b.Ferryhill
Dtr Isabella Ryle 23 b.Benwell
Dtr Jane Ryle 17 b.Swalwell
Son Robert Ryle 14 b.Swalwell
-------------------
But Matthew son of John H and Ann, stayed in Swalwell-for now !
Census 1901 Cross Houses, Swalwell 4761-131-33
MATTHEW ROBSON RYLE 29 Grocer b.Swalwell
wife Sarah I Ryle 28 b. Wolsingham
Dtr Anne B Ryle 7 b.Swalwell
Dtr Isabella Ryle 2 b.Swalwell
Edith Elias Whitfield servant 14 b. Wolsingham
________________________________________________
John and Anne and William and Jane still alive in WB on 1911 census. Matthew and Sarah Isabella at 338 Whitley Rd.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Info from selected Trade Directories...............
Kelly's 1900
John H Ryle 11 Marine Avenue . Gentleman
William Ryle 58 Park Avenue . Gentleman
------
Kelly's 1909/10
John H Ryle 11 Marine Ave. Gentleman
William Ryle 58 Park Ave. Gentleman
Matthew Ryle 6 Beach Ave. Draper
---------------------------------------
Ward's 1913/14
Brothers John and William at same addresses and still " Gentlemen"
S.I. Ryle (Mrs) Milliner 340 WHITLEY ROAD
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Ward's 1928
J Ryle 58 Park Ave
Mrs J W Ryle 59 Park Ave
"Madam Ryle" ladies outfitters Tel 356; 340 Whitley Rd.
Residence Kings Ave
Mrs Annie Ryle, costumier, Belvedere- Park Avenue
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ward's 1932
340 Whitley Rd "Ryle Ltd" ladies outfitter tel 356
Mrs A Ryle ladies outfitter, Belvedere, Park ave
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Ward's 1936
340 Whitley Rd Ryle Ltd ladies wear
Ryle Ltd Modern Fashion Wear. 340 Whitley Rd.
------------------------------------------------------------
Ward's 1938
Ryle Ltd 84 Park View.
" PARK VIEW formerly WHITLEY RD "
So 340 Whitley Rd became 84 Park View sometime between 1936 and 1938 !
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ward's 1940
Ryle Ltd- Ladies Wear- 84 Park View Tel 1000-1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well done the ex pit men ! I could see their story as a good TV saga ! Especially with the ghost(s) thrown in !
Michael
-
In 1999, on another Northumberland Message Board, a John Dixon (no relation to me) of Hong Kong, was seeking info on
" Doctor Matthew Ryle, the well-known "fuchsia hybridist"
The above Matthew Ryle was born 7th August 1903, died 1982 in Warkworth area.
Matthew Ryle and his wife Sarah Isabella , later of Whitley Bay had a son Matthew in 1903 in Whickham area !
Michael Dixon
-
My maternal grandfather's brother was maried to Margaret Ryle, the daughter of the Swalwell grocer. Her husband and her carried on a small grocery business in Blaydon. John William Ryle of Park Avenue, Whitley Bay and formerly of Blaydon was involved in house building with my maternal grandfather in Blaydon prior to WW1-
-
Hi Siobhán, my name is Jennifer Johnston (nee Botham) and I worked at Ryle’s as my very first job when I was 15, so aprox 1960, actually on my 15th birthday, that was my very first day at work. I worked in the lingerie dept with a lovely lady whose name escapes me for now. The lingerie was amazing in those days, Hollywood style, wonderful for a 15 year old to work with. I had to tidy the drawers of underwear and night dresses and negligees and make sure everything was absolutely in line... I also worked when there was a fashion parade, as a dresser, so amazing to do that at 15, help those beautiful models to have everything ready for them and all on the hanger to go, dress, jacket etc, shoes, jewels, so she could just pop it all on and then I had to check she looked OK. The parades were unbelievable to me. Then there were the shop windows after a parade, with everything from the Bride, bridesmaid, mother of the bride etc, to the guests and all the windows were such a spectacular show. One year, a crazed or drunk man smashed quite a few of the windows with a big stick or walking stick through the night. Next day when the shock had worn off, we had to sit and pick out all the glass from the beautiful bridal veil and gown...it was a sad day for us, to think someone would do that. I loved working there, especially when the lady in the make-up and perfume dept would give me tips and spray a bit of Blue Grass or Suede perfume on me!! I would LOVE to hear how you have gone with any more stories about Ryle’s, and also if you have photos? I have lived in Australia since 1966 and went back to have a look in 1994 but of course I was so sad to see it was no longer there. Kind regards, Jennifer.
-
hi,i have lived in whitley bay all my life and yes park view was also whitley road....changed about 1935, i have a lovely little story about RYLES shop that you may not be aware of.
The boiler room for the shop was round the back,and was looked after by a man whos son went on to greater things, ian la franais..writer of THE LIKELY LADS etc......and i know that while he and his brother were youngsters it was a great aventure to spend winter nights in that boiler room with thier father.
As mentioned RYLES was a posh shop and indeed my sister had a saying, im saving up for a holiday a and to go to RYLES !!.
Reavers
-
The Owners of Ryles lived at the bottom of Langley Avenue Hexham in the 1950s. I can't remember the surname which wasn't Ryle - she may have been one of the Ryle daughters.
The house was called Rydel.
-
hi again, whitley road used to run all the way from cullercoats roundabout.....right through to marine avenue, it was changed from the fat ox(opposite st pauls church) in the mid 30s.
-
Hi Siobhan
I have just come across your old posting, my great grandma was your great grandma,s sister-Elizabeth Jackson. I have an old photo of my great grandma with her niece which I think must be Annie Ryle.
Frangelico
-
Hi Siobhán, my name is Jennifer Johnston (nee Botham) and I worked at Ryle’s as my very first job when I was 15, so approx 1960, actually on my 15Th birthday, that was my very first day at work. I worked in the lingerie dept with a lovely lady whose name escapes me for now. Oh, maybe Mrs Hopper? The lingerie was amazing in those days, Hollywood style, wonderful for a 15 year old to work with. I had to tidy the drawers of underwear and night dresses and negligees and make sure everything was absolutely in line... I also worked when there was a fashion parade, as a dresser, so amazing to do that at 15, help those beautiful models to have everything ready for them and all on the hanger to go, dress, jacket etc, shoes, jewels, so she could just pop it all on and then I had to check she looked OK. The parades were unbelievable to me. Then there were the shop windows after a parade, with everything from the Bride, bridesmaid, mother of the bride etc, to the guests and all the windows were such a spectacular show. One year, a crazed or drunk man smashed quite a few of the windows with a big stick or walking stick through the night. Next day when the shock had worn off, we had to sit and pick out all the glass from the beautiful bridal veil and gown...it was a sad day for us, to think someone would do that. I loved working there, especially when the lady in the makeup and perfume dept would give me tips and spray a bit of Blue Grass or Suede perfume on me!! I would LOVE to hear how you have gone with any more stories about Ryle’s, and also if you have photos? I have lived in Australia since 1966 and went back to have a look in 1994 but of course I was so sad to see it was no longer there. Kind regards, Jennifer.
-
Hello everyone,
Finally replying to your posts, my sincere apologies. I have not been on Rootschat for a very, very long time due to continuous ill-health. I am as ever totally interested in any story, any detail, even a description of anything or anyone to do with it. I have enjoyed reading all your posts just now.
I will endeavour to put up the few photos I have to do with Ryle Ltd, which I hope you will enjoy. I have yet to find an interior photo of the store.
I also aim to reply to each post individually.
Thanks again.
-
Frangelico, am absolutely thrilled to hear you are related - we never heard much of the Jackson side. I have done some research but you will no doubt have more information. I will pm you. :)
-
Rasmus, am delighted to see you are also connected. I am in contact with Ryles from that end of the tree. Would love to compare notes! Will pm you.
-
Hi Sio
I don,t know if you will be able to pm me as I have not had 3 postings on this site. I am new to the site and I am still not sure how to go on with it.
-
Hello Siobhán and All
I noticed in your interests that you had Ryle, Hood, Spencer and Jackson.
I am interested in Hood of Selby before circa 1812 and prior to this, a John Hood of Gateshead / Newcastle, a Mariner. Also John Spencer of Scarborough and Jackson of Selby (if Jackson was linked to Hood).
There was a Newcastle Agents business called Hood & Ryle of Newcastle in 1811, associated with shipping goods between Hull and Newcastle.
Will of Robert Hood of Gateshead (mentioning Ryle)
"Robert HOOD, gentleman, of Windmill hills in the parish of Gateshead in the county of Durham [Gateshead, County Durham]"
Date of probate: 1 October 1812
"Will and codicil used in the court case on 20 May 1816: Jane Stodhart (wife of the Reverend Robert Stodhart), Samuel Hood, Peter Hood and Benjamin Hood v John Ryle, John Linsay Angus and Jabez Hood"
Three images here
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11848-147714-50
Via a "Hood" surname search here ...
http://familyrecords.dur.ac.uk/nei/data/simple.php
I was wondering, whether you had come across my Hoods (George Hood and John Hood), please?
Kind regards, Mark
-
Hello Siobhán,
William Ryle (1842-1924) was my great-grandfather, his daughter Jane Ryle (1880-1979) was my grandmother. Of course the shop was owned by a different branch of the family but my mother would shop there a lot and I remember it well. My grandmother lived to a ripe old age and I regret not having talked to her about the old days, but you don’t when you’re young. My strongest memory of the shop was that back in the fifties in order to pay the money and bill were sent to a central accounts department using a vacuum tube transfer system like the one described here https://www.silversurfers.com/nostalgia/cash-carrying-systems-in-department-stores/. This used to fascinate me as a little child as otherwise shopping in the ladies dress section of a department store was the height of tedium. Sorry I don’t have any photographs.