Description:A postcard view from Brook Square looking along Lower Brook Street towards Market Square and the Town Hall clock tower. On the left is Lloyds Bank, then Burdett’s shop followed by John Key and Sons, drapers and tailors, the upper floors of which were used as a Y.M.C.A. club and canteen during the First World War until after the Second World War and later used for dancing classes. John Key and Sons' business closed in 1984. John Key invented the 'Donkey' jacket in 1888 which was originally designed for workers constructing the Manchester Ship Canal. On the right is Cartwright’s boot and shoe shop (previously William Crompton’s boot-making and shoe shop). Many of the buildings on both sides of the street remain (December 2020), however, over the years the ground floors have changed several times.
This postcard view was published by the Frith’s Series.