This week we take a look at the centre of High Wycombe as it was in the 1920s, a vibrant market town full of mainly independent shops.

FIRST: This picture , which was used for a postcard published by tobacconist R Mealing, shows the High Street east of Corporation Street. Prominent on the corner is the shop of D Vernon, here trading as ‘engineers and motor specialists’, but they were originally ironmongers. The business ultimately became known as Davenport Vernon, motor vehicle retailers, with their garage and showroom beside the London Road in Wycombe Marsh.

SECOND: The Grapes and Cross Keys public houses, on the north side of the High Street, High Wycombe.

THIRD: Crowds watch as Bandsmen march along the High Street, followed by an open-top bus full of passengers, during a market day in Wycombe.

FOURTH: This is the street-frontage of the Technical School in Easton St, with the ruins of Hospital of St John under trees to the right. High Wycombe. These school-buildings were designed by Arthur Vernon, firstly for use by the Royal Grammar School. Signs on the front railings indicate from the left; Juvenile Employment Bureau, Junior Day Technical School, High Wycombe Technical Institute Day and Evening Classes, Day Commercial School. The Junior Technical School was established in 1920 The Commercial School set up in 1924 and was for boys and girls from the age of 13.

FIFTH: Here we see the building known as The Priory before it was converted into shops, at the junction of Priory Road and Castle Street.