Walter and his wife Rhonda probably ran one of Warwick’s first fish and chip shops. In the Directories of Warwick from the 1910s and 20s, Walter is listed as a ‘Fish Fryer’. Owners of fish and chip shops are still called Fish Fryers today.
The first fish and chip shops
The first fish and chip shops in England opened in the late Victorian period and quickly grew in popularity. Steam powered fishing trawlers and the growth of the rail network across the country meant more fresh fish could be supplied inland than ever before. Fish and chips became an affordable meal for working families. During the Second World War, fish and chips was one food not subject to rationing, making it even more popular.
Although Rhonda isn’t listed as a business owner, she would have helped her husband run and manage the shop. Walter and Rhonda were fish fryers for nearly 20 years, but at the end of the 1920s stopped frying fish and chips. Records show their business changed to fishmonger and poulterer, selling raw fish and meats.
Walter Wood’s business records include a small account book for the Earl of Warwick. It shows everything he sold to Warwick Castle between 1936 and 1940.
A surprising number of sausages
The food ordered gives an indication of when the Earl of Warwick was at home. Orders for lobster, pheasant, cod and mackerel appear at the start of the book. Then from 1937 every other order in the book is for a surprising number of sausages, almost 24 a week. While the Earl was away, sausages were still bought for his housekeeper, Mrs Humphries, and odd job man, George Norton, who lived at the castle. That’s a lot of sausages for two people each week!
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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