BRIGG GROCERS, BAKERS AND CHEESE-MAKERS: A FLAVOUR OF 19TH CENTURY LIFE IN THE TOWN

Josie Webb, of Brigg Amateur Social Historians, has replied to our recent post seeking information about these pictures of local interest sent to us by someone undertaking family history research.
Our correspondent told us George Neal Sipling was pictured, seated front left, but sought information about the company mentioned on the certificate - Otter and Barly/Barley.
Josie tells us: "In 1849 William Otter was living and working in a 4-acre area at the south end of Bridge Street. He was a baker, grocer and miller. He also had a bake house and retail outlet at 62 Wrawby Street, managed by his son - William Otter Junior.
"By 1869 the Bridge Street premises were all up for sale, following his death. His widow Mary then moved into 62 Wrawby Street, joining their son.
"They were grocers, bakers and cheese-makers. By 1876 Mrs Isabella Otter [I think this was probably her son's wife] was running the business and so it continued until 1909 when a Mrs Jane Barley went into partnership.
"I believe this ended sometime in the late 1920s. I guess it was sold and a Mr Davies bought it; Peirsey Kitchen managed it  - eventually owning it - until its closure in the 1970s. 
"The bake house building is still there, visible from Bigby Street. It's all covered in ivy now. This is where Mr George Sipling would have worked."
Brigg Blog has already forwarded Josie's useful and interesting information to our correspondent. We thank her for her time and trouble.

Josie Webb