My fascination with old images of Marlow began at a very early age as result of many framed pictures on the walls of the house (or rather bungalow) most dating back to the time of my grandparents. The yellowed and faded print top left plus part of the accompanying text was a mystery for many years.

A chapel in the High Street? Surely not, and even my usually knowledgeable mother had no answers. Later I found out that it still existed, in the cellar of the 16th Century Little Stone House, although sunlight streaming through a side vent is a touch of artistic licence.

The tiny lettering underneath is difficult to make out, but magnified it reads “Engraved and published by J.Greig Jan 1st 1812 from a sketch by the late C.Tomkins”.

For the larger part of the last Century Little Stone House housed solicitors’ offices, initially C.H. Walton & Hurd, and latterly Winter Taylors & Lake.

The picture, top right, dates from this period, when a Wethered Brewery entrance and an Estate Agent’s office were still alongside.

A partner in the solicitors’ firm, Gerry Lake, a stalwart supporter of the Roman Catholic Church, found some old papers that seemed to indicate that this small underground room was an early place of worship for those practising the Roman Catholic faith, at a time when it was extremely controversial so to do. 20 closely packed worshipers would have been a full house.

Another similar private chapel existed at the previous Danesfield House building, the home of the Scott-Murray family. Charles Scott-Murray M.P., in later and more enlightened times, financed the building of the 1846 church in St. Peter Street.

The respect that Gerry Lake undoubtedly had for the religious and historical significance of his cellar did not restrict him from using it as a store room, and the first time I was allowed a visit it was filled wall to wall with shelving and various filing cabinets.

However, before this “change of use” Gerry had taken the two photographs on the right. I have edited out some rather unsightly electrical junction boxes on the wall.

After the solicitors moved, and before the premises became a boutique, the Marlow Society were allowed access for a Heritage Day, and Barrie Lea took the two centre pictures, in better colour.

A subsequent visit by myself found it full of clothes racks, but still retaining a strangely calm atmosphere. I have no idea what sort of state it is in now.

A pet shop, not widely known as being a part of the Pets At Home Empire has come and gone.

This historic part of Marlow deserves some degree of preservation.

Returning to Barrie Lea, probably the town’s best known photographer, I was so sorry to learn that he is in hospital having suffered a small stroke. I wish him a speedy recovery: it is not a good time to be in hospital. He was a regular contributor to the various “County” magazines.

I have a tall pile of these and it is hard to find one without an article or picture by Barrie.

Contact Michael on michael@jazzfans.co or 01628 486571