Hello all, my first post.
I'd like to research the following person and to see if there are any records of his Coffee House that existed c.1868-1880.
The Coffee House or an establishment like it resided at
85 Lower Thames Street during this period.
This was also his home address for a number of years.
My 3rd Great-Grandfather was
Edwin Newcomb b. Abt 1842, St. Georges, Middlesex.
I am 28 and ever since I was wee-high, my Nan and Grandad have had on display a document that is signed by the Mayor at the time. I cannot think exactly what is on the document (possibly granting him the right to use the establishment), but more importantly there is a photograph of Edwin Newcomb with his fellow workforce.
My question is
What options are open to me research wise, to ascertain his business history?- Trade directories?
- Is there an online collection of Trade directories?
- Should I visit an archive in London that deals more in the history of businesses?
The photograph and it's accompanying document has always interested me greatly.
I know his Father is Frederick Newcomb, b.1804, Southwark (I'm not sure if he has any history in owning any businesses)
I am fully subscribed to Ancestry, and FindMyPast.