The first shop I have been able to trace was one kept by Ellen Bythel, in an old wood and plaster house, behind the National Schools [ on Chorlton Green east side  ]. She sold groceries and provisions, but her chief business was in bread, for which she had a great name amongst the inhabitants of the village. 

The cottage now occupied by Miss Wilton, adjoining the Horse and Jockey [ on the left as you face it  ], was formerly a shop, the business being conducted by William Pennington, and afterwards by Mary Wilton and Mary Lewis. 

Ivy Cottage, at Lane End, fronting Barlow Moor Road [ where High Lane and Sandy Lane meets Barlow Moor Road ], was built by Jeremiah Brundrett some sixty years ago [ circa 1825 ], and was conducted as a general provision shop by members of that family for many years. 

Amongst other shops may be mentioned one kept by Ellen Heywood, at the New Buildings; another by Thomas Birkett, adjoining the Horse and Jockey; and one by the late Joseph Brundrett, at Lane End (now continued by his widow); and lastly the old-established sweet shop of Betty Bates. 

Twenty five years ago [ circa 1860 ] the village could boast of four shops; but at the present time [ 1885 ] there are over thirty of various kinds to supply the wants of the inhabitants, besides several in the course of erection. At five of these shops, intoxicating liquors are sold, either on or off the premises making a total (with the seven public houses) of twelve places where liquors can be obtained. As the population at the present time is estimated at 3270, this makes one place where excisable liquors are sold for every 272 of the inhabitants, including old and young; without taking note of the two clubs.