Title:
Townrows: Braintree's Family Store
Level: Category
Video Archive
Level: Fonds
BRAINTREE DISTRICT MUSEUM
Scope and Content:
Video charting the history of C.J. Townrow and Sons Limited, the department store owned by the Townrow family based in Braintree. Features James Townrow, grandson of the founder Charles Townrow, narrating the story, with footage of historic photographs, company documents, and contemporary shots of Braintree. Includes personal stories about members of the family as well as an overview of the business' development.

[00:00:] Opening credits
[00:50:] History of the Townrow family, from Luton [Bedfordshire]; story of Charles Townrow, grandfather of James and founder of the business; Charles' move to Braintree and take-over of men's clothing business in 1871.
[02:55:] Life in Braintree of Charles and his son Charles.
[07:00:] Move of business to former boot shop in 1894; business operations in the 1890s and early twentieth century; family life.
[13:55:] Employment of first assistant, Herbert Peck; death of James' grandfather in 1902 and take-over of business by his father Charles.
[15:25:] Move to premises in the High Street in 1919; working conditions of staff; men's clothing sold including industrial clothing and uniforms.
[18:10:] Start of working career of James and his brother Peter in the 1930s; addition of women's fashions to their line.
[19:55:] Impact of the Second World War; changes to the arcade front of the shop; purchase of further premises in the High Street in 1954.
[22:35:] Change to self-selection type of shopping in 1974; impact of the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s, especially on local factories.
[24:05:] Promotion of Richard James Townrow, James' son, to managing director in 1982; joining Associated Independent Stores; purchase of premises in Frinton-on-Sea and additional property in Braintree in 1980s and 1990s.
[26:50:] Credits

Produced by theta Films.
Dates of Creation:
2002
Extent:
27 minutes 20 seconds
Creator Name:
Timeframe
Admin History:
Charles Townrow founded a men's clothing store in Braintree in 1871. The business gradually expanded, moving to different premises around the town and gradually adding lines to their stock. The company has now opened outlets in Maldon, Frinton-on-Sea, and St Ives, Cambridgeshire, but it continues to run as a family business based in Braintree.

Timeframe was founded in the 1990s as the film unit of the Friends of Braintree District Museum. It creates audio-visual material about the heritage of Braintree District.
Archivist Note:
Catalogued by SJM 18/04/2016
Copyright:
Copyright Timeframe. Not to be used for publications by profit-making companies.
Physical Characteristics:
Originally deposited as VHS cassette.
Not Available:
Use digital copy available on YouTube

Key terms

TypeKey termsDescription
Subjects Shops Townrows: Braintree's Family Store
Personal Names Charles
Townrow 		Townrows: Braintree's Family Store
Personal Names James
Townrow 		Townrows: Braintree's Family Store
Place Names Braintree Townrows: Braintree's Family Store
Document Types Video recording Townrows: Braintree's Family Store
Institutions Townrow Department Stores Townrows: Braintree's Family Store