Halse, Ironmongers 10 Fore Street

If you would like to share your memories of Halse Ironmongers or 10 Fore Street you can complete our 'Your Memories of Chard' form here, message us on the Museum Facebook page or visit us at the Museum.

In Victorian times this site was occupied by Drowers, an Ironmongers established in 1854.

Many people remember it better as Halse, Builders Merchants and Ironmongers. Someone we spoke to said you could buy “everything from pink paraffin to china tea sets.”

As well as tools and diy equipment there was a showroom with fireplaces, solid fuel and oil fired appliances, washing machines, motor mowers and sink units. Several people remember Mr. Quinlan, who worked at Halse, and made their wedding cakes! The shop was destroyed by fire in 1974.

South West Electricity Board occupied the site when the shop was rebuilt. Here people could buy electrical appliances and pay their electricity bills. In the 1990s the shop was taken over by Choices Videos and then Blockbusters video rentals. For a few years it became a Morrisons Express and is now Chard Auctions.