10th June 2017

Pawnbrokers: the poor man’s banker

Pauline Alden has been looking at local pawnbrokers, after finding a local man appealing against conscription in 1916. Bertie Vowles, who lived in Colenso St, Clementhorpe, succeeded in his appeal, because of his job.

Pawnbrokers played an important role in helping poor families to keep their heads above water, and were a common feature in local streets. See here for more details.