Thacker and Christmas was a grocers shop that was at 24 High Street for nearly 100 years. James Thacker and Caleb Christmas took over the store and renamed it ‘Thacker and Christmas’ in the late Victorian period. James Thacker used to live above the shop with his wife Jane.
Standing at the corner of the crossroads Thacker and Christmas was a literal corner shop for the people of Warwick. Different to a greengrocer who sold fresh vegetables, a grocer sold dry goods such as flour, tea and sugar.
A long relationship with Warwick Castle
Records show Thacker and Christmas had a long relationship with Warwick Castle, selling them eggs, tea, sugar, candles and rice. There is even a receipt for butter and nuts, to be used for Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee celebrations at Warwick Castle.
Thacker and Christmas also sold carbonated drinks in branded glass bottles. It was common for grocers to sell these kinds of drinks, which included ginger beer, lemonade and soda water.
A number of bottles in collection
Warwickshire Museum has a number of these bottles in its collection. They are called Codd Bottles. The glass marble, with the pressure of the carbonisation would seal the bottle. Children would smash the bottles for the marbles.
Both James Thacker and Caleb Christmas had sold their business by 1907. The grocers shop continued in the same location until 1970.
Do you or anyone in your family remember shopping at Thacker and Christmas?
This article is part of the Through the Shop Window trail showcasing the links between Warwick businesses and Warwick Castle in the 1800s. Supported by The Friends of Warwickshire County Record Office, The Steven Wallsgrove Legacy and Warwick Town Council.
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