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No need to apologise Moranthorse I'm always going off on tangents!

Conwy archive catalogue is available online. I was there looking something else up and asked the archivist if he had ever heard of Lempriere. He then mentioned the Dunphy collection. It's quite large. Stephen Dunphy founded a grocery store in Llandudno and there was a large warehouse in Market Street. Apparently, the fire station in those days was across the road in Chapel Street and if there was a fire the men had to run to Stephen and ask if they could borrow two of his delivery horses. I'm assuming that Richard (Dick) was his son. Anyone can view the archives, but you need to make an appointment online to do this. At the same time saying what you would like to look at so that it is ready for you when you arrive. The archive is not digitised so you can't look online. Just make a note of the ref. no.

You are absolutely right Neville I hadn't read it properly, sorry.

Hywel,

Are you aware of the connection with the firm of Lempriere, Royal & Co?

I have found a description of the 1898 Llandudno May Day Procession, showing Clement R. Lempriere as the driver of the lead float, which was the trade exhibit of “Messrs Lempriere, Royal & Co.”

In August of that year Messrs. Lempriere, Royal & Co. presented a silver-plated lamp for the winner of the “trick bicycle riding contest”, an event included in that year’s Llandudno Athletic Sports.

Lempriere, Royal & Co. were a cycle store, located in Lower Mostyn Street. They “retired from the cycle trade” in May 1900, selling their entire stock at auction on the 26th of that month.

Do you know how Trooper Lempriere was related to the business that carried his family name and for whom he appears to have worked? As mentioned before, his attestation papers state that he was a "cycle agent".


In September 1898 C.R. Lempriere is listed as a visitor, staying at The Astoria, Llewellyn Street, Llandudno.


SEE: The Welsh Coast Pioneer, 25th May 1900





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Oh, good grief where did you find that? It solves all the queries doesn't it? Magnificent, thanks so much for all your sleuthing. I had found Llywelyn Street, now Avenue but nothing more. His Father was listed as a commercial traveler in the Census return so maybe this was another branch of the family. Thompson had shops in Lower Mostyn Street so they may well have known each other and that's why Lempriere wrote to him from south Africa.

Thank you so much, problem solved!

Hywel

I was thinking it looks as though their shop was closing down with all the stock being sold - 1900. Maybe that's why I didn't know of them.

Moranthorse just reading the posting of yours that you recommended. It's fascinating what a terrific amount of research which must have been a great source for so many people. Thankyou.