Trade directory entry.Where to go next?

[rocky3]

I have found a trade directory entry for 1805. It says - Nicholls, Mrs, toy shop, Hammersmith.

How do I find out more? Where should I look?
questions that I have are: Where was this toy shop? Can I find out more about the shop and indeed Mrs Nicholls? How do I go about this?

Also was this toy shop on census and how do I find it and who worked there as long as it stood. I had a thought that it may be Hamleys, but can't progress any further.

Any help or pointers much appreciated. Just wish they had listed her first name!!

Thanks very much.

[DORAN54]

I wounder if they could tell you anything its in scala street google it and see if a contact comes up

[rocky3]

Thanks very much. I would never have found this! I will look into it and see if they can help.

Much appreciated.

[Ruskie]

If I were you I would look in more directories in case further details are given, such as a first name or initial, and also to see if you can get an indication of how long she has a shop in Hammersmith, by seeing when she disappears from the directories.

If the shop was in Hammersmith it is likely to have been situated on the High Street.

Hamleys would have been in High Holborn in 1805, quite a way from Hammersmith.

Is Mrs Nicholls an ancestor?

[rocky3]

I have tried to look for Mrs Nicholls on other directories but nothing is showing. It seems difficult to find the records you want! It is rather a coincidence as my relative (same surname) on the 1901 is a toy trade worker also.

[rocky3]

Just emailed the Pollock's toy museum and it came back undelivered, stating 'no such user here.'

Went on the Pollock's Toy shop site and the history states it started in 1856, so too late for the 1805 trade directory entry, I'm afraid.

[DORAN54]

 yes bit late but I thought as they were a toy museum they might have known some thing about mrs Nichols toy shop

[rocky3]

Thanks for your help though. At least I know this is not the one for 1805. It may be the one for 1901 though.....

[cati]

I think I'd try the rates books next.

You've probably explores these links, but if not, they may turn up something useful:

www.lbhf.gov.uk/Directory/Leisure_and_Culture/Libraries/Archives/17430_Archives_and_Local_History.asp

www.fhhs.wordpress.com/

You might also need to bear in mind that "toy shop" might not mean toys as we know them today:  the word was used to describe a variety of small personal objects, ranging from steel buckles to minatures.

Cati