Johnsons Butchers

Albert Robert Johnson had a butcher's shop at 2 All Saints Street, now the 'Raj of India' restaurant.

He also ran the abattoir at Alma Place. When rationing ceased after World War II, Stamford Town Council provided the abattoir which was situated near Alma Place off North Street (now part of the car park). This was run by Mr Johnson with the assistance of Mr Hibbert as clerk.

It served 40 to 50 butchers and all meat for Oakham & Uppingham was also slaughtered here after the Monday cattle market.
With refrigeration, butchers could bring back the carcasses to cut up in their own premises.

Albert's sons Sam and Peter both joined the family business. Sam moved to Bourne and by 1976 Peter had taken over the shop at 11 All Saints Place, currently the 'Hoppi Dorri', which was previously Wright's pork butchers. There was a bakehouse at the back for making pies and cooked meats.

The Monday Market and Annual Christmas Fat Stock Show, held in the first week of December, were important socially and for trade. Peter met local farmers and the auctioneers who were friends.
The Mayor always attended the Fat Stock Show and presented the prizes.
It was very prestigious for farmers to win and there was a competition between the butchers to buy the champion beast. For many years Johnson's bought the beef from the Supreme Champion Beast.

Peter and Gwenda Johnson have provided this wonderful collection of photographs of Johnsons, a family butchers in Stamford for many years.