12 St John Street

▪ Grade II listed building

▪ It was built in the late 18th or early 19th century

▪ Draper’s and outfitter’s shop throughout its known history

▪ It was J. M. Callow, outfitters for more 90 years (until c2001)

Number 12 is on the south side of the street adjacent to Hood’s Yard which is named after the tailor who occupied 10 St John St in the late 19^th andearly 20^th century.

The Building

It is of late 18^th century/early 19^th century construction and is of red brick with eaves cornice and tiled roof. It has three storeys, and on the first and second floors there are two wide sash windows with margin lights and glazing bars. At the left/east side of the second floor there is a small corner window which is perhaps of a later date. The ground floor shop front is later.

The History of its Occupation and Use

The earliest known occupant of 12 St John St in 1822-23 is tentatively identified as Charles Haywood who was a draper. By 1828-29, James Morris, another draper,had replaced him and James Morris’ name appears in the first detailed census of 1841. By 1846, the premises had been taken over by another draper, Whitaker & Marple (William and William Robert respectively) who were succeeded no later than 1860 by yet another draper, John Barnes. The business became the “general outfitters” John Barnes & Son and then T(homas) J(ohn) Barnes in the 1870s-80s and by 1896 a partner was taken on and it became Barnes, Son & Callow.

By 1909, the business became J. M. Callow, outfitters, which continued in business for over 90 years until about 2001.

The shop then became Graves of Ashbourne in 2002. Graves closed their doors in 2019 and the shop is currently empty.

Photograph taken of the empty shop in July 2024. Note “J. M. Callow Clothier and Outfitter” on the door.