I see that this old cottage block is about to be vacated,so does anyone know why [maybe the new site for our museum]

The row of cottages were owned by the United Reform Church, which decided that their best option was to sell rather than pay for maintenance.

The new owners (whoever they may be) have given the Invicta Bookshop owners notice to quit - which they will do in March. I presume the occupiers of the other cottages will also be going. I understand that the cottages are to be refurbished as homes rather than businesses.

As for a museum - it is difficult enough to fit a museum into the Cloth Hall and Granary buildings - these cottages would be far more problematic.

I would like to add here my appretiation to Tim and Simon of Invicta for keeping going so long - the loss of Invicta will be a sad one.  Meanwhile their closing down sale is on - rush along for some great bargains!

I hear that INVICTA will still be around [Hungerford?]

They have a stall in Hungerford Arcade and something similar at Steventon (or thereabouts). They are also embracing the information age and working out how to list books online.  But a trip into Newbury won't be the same without Invicta.

Immediately behind what is now Superdrug there was another building, before the cottages, part of which was used as a garage and the other half occupied by a deaf and dumb cobbler, anyone remember him?
The housing on the other side although larger did not have any toilets, they were in a block behind and past the Lecture hall almost in West St so another euphuism for going to the loo was "taking a long walk"

my wifes grandma"s mother[ second marriage] was a mrs Blackmore, and lived in one of those cottages about 1900/5 ,but unable to find any "proof" yet...

Quoted from Uncle

my wifes grandma"s mother[ second marriage] was a mrs Blackmore, and lived in one of those cottages about 1900/5 ,but unable to find any "proof" yet...

If you look on the internet (Google 'Census') you can search free of charge for Blackmore resident in Newbury. For a fiver, you can view and save several of the original census documents.
There are several of that surname who seem mostly to have come from South Wales. Rosa and William Blackmore and their daughter Rosa etc. The page you pay for gives the details that you might need.

Quoted from brian

If you look on the internet (Google 'Census') you can search free of charge for Blackmore resident in Newbury. For a fiver, you can view and save several of the original census documents.
There are several of that surname who seem mostly to have come from South Wales. Rosa and William Blackmore and their daughter Rosa etc. The page you pay for gives the details that you might need.

if they werent living there in census year[1901,1891].....no record.

Quoted from Uncle

if they werent living there in census year[1901,1891].....no record.

I looked at both around those years but if it was later than that, there are sets of street directories which list the names of residents of Newbury according to street which could be worth a look at. First floor the Wharf end of the library.

(Pages from the books similar to these http://www.newbury.net/forum/m-1259580804/ )

Quoted from blackdog

They have a stall in Hungerford Arcade and something similar at Steventon (or thereabouts).

They have a small section in the antiques bit at Chilton garden centre.

Quoted from Downlander

They have a small section in the antiques bit at Chilton garden centre.

Yes - Simon put me right the other day.

I will miss Invicta more than any other shop that has gone in the past  

This is the kind of shop that attracts people to come to a particular town rather than another.  A unique selling point.

If I was in charge   I would offer them alternative premises at a very favourable rent.  It would be good for Newbury in general and everyone else who trades there.

Once I get planning permission to get Woolies converted into an indoor market, I'll offer them one of the enclosed mini shops.

Better still, just split it between them and Barry Forkin.