BUTTERKNOWLE

The shop belonging to M. J. Kellett, Grocer, Provisions, and Draper, in Pinfold Lane, Butterknowle. The sign board to the right of the name sign also tells us that it was Post office. The shop and Post Office carried on until the 1990’s when it closed down and is now a private residence.






The staff of The Butterknowle Branch of the Bishop Auckland Industrial Co-operative Flour & Provision Society Ltd. parading in front of the shop in the early part of the 20^th century. In the heyday of the Butterknowle branch, during the coal-mining boom in the area, it was a very successful business and not only supplied its customers in the local area but also supplied later established branches at Cockfield and Evenwood. The original store was opened in 1890 at Breckon Hill and was the subject of a lengthy court case (1903-1906) ending up, successfully for the Co-op, with Butterknowle Colliery Company being held responsible for the subsidence that seriously affected the structure of the building. A new building was erected on the main street of Pinfold Lane and the store finally closed down in 1968, the buildings were demolished making way for a housing development.