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8 Suffolk Road (formerly 4 Northwick Terrace)

In 1841 Mrs Joseph Smith (“late Miss D’Egville”) begged to inform the Nobility and Gentry of Cheltenham that her dance and exercise academy was now open twice a week at this address.

Mr John E Hemmings, a manservant, is listed as the occupant by 1851 and five years later Mr James Pilley, a tailor, and his family were in residence. Then in 1875 Mrs Hall announced that she had taken the house in order to run her business buying cast-off clothing, including uniforms and court dress, for cash. She claimed to offer “London prices” for the clothes and assured her customers of the strictest privacy. Presumably it was considered not quite respectable in Victorian times to be selling ones used clothes.

Cheltenham Chronicle, 10th April 1937

The property was acquired in 1886 by W.A. Woof, a professional cricketer, whose name remained associated with this address for many years. At that time the house was addressed as “Northwick Terrace, 4, Suffolk Road”, not to be confused with the other 4 Suffolk Road that existed further along the road before the street renumbering in 1934. The business later expanded to include a branch in Regent Street, Cheltenham.

William Albert Woof was born in Gloucester in 1859 and trained as an engineering draughtsman. He was an excellent all-round sportsman and was selected to play for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club in 1878, at the invitation of Dr W.G. Grace. Mr Woof (“Woofie” to his friends and admirers) played for the club continuously until 1895.

After a short time working on the grounds staff at Lords he returned to Cheltenham in 1886 and became the cricket coach at Cheltenham College. In the same year he opened a sports outfitters shop in Suffolk Parade, soon relocating it to Northwick Terrace, where he lived with his wife Selina and their family. Apart from cricket Mr Woof enjoyed running, shooting and breeding and training fox terriers. He was a founder and captain of the Cheltenham Harriers Club.

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W.A. Woof was a popular and successful cricketer and coach and when he retired from the College in 1925 the current and former pupils collected an impressive £1,206 as a leaving gift. (At this time it was possible to buy a house for around £350.) He died peacefully in his sleep on 4th April 1937, aged 78. His funeral was held at Cheltenham College chapel and he was buried at Leckhampton.

W.A. Woof Ltd sports outfitters continued to thrive ​and expanded into the neighbouring premises during the 1960s.

Ko Hairdressing

Researcher: Stuart Manton (Sept 2018)

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