Burtons New Town of St Leonards

"South Colonnade" Shops

James Burton in the design for his new and exclusive town of St. Leonards had allowed for a parade of 15 shops on the seafront called “The Colonnade.” The range of goods available between 1848 and 1871 were mostly the normal day to day requirements consisting of Butchers, Grocers, Fismongers, etc, with non of the specialist shops (except 1 Jeweller/Watchmaker and 1 Straw Bonnet Maker) that provided the refinements required by the Nobility and Gentry, including members of various Royal Households, that now had summer and winter residences in fashionable St. Leonards.

This failure on the part of the Burtons to provide adequate shopping facilities, helped to ensure the commercial success of the traders in Robertson Street, where a large range and variety of shops was available to meet the needs of both residents and visitors alike. Several “By Royal Appointment” notices were now appearing in advertisements in commercial and street directories for Robertson Street traders, as well as the Royal Coat of Arms appearing above retail premises.