Hastings and St Leonards Observer - Saturday 28 April 1934 -THE COLONNADE ST. LEONARDS A hundred years ago Mr. Charles Chapman, anxious to follow his father's calling in the milk business, had a bright idea. When, by order of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, property had tp be cleared off the Priory ground in Hastings, Mr. Chapman purchased from his father two houses in the Rope-walk thoroughfare in the vicinity of the spot where Holy Trinity Church now stands and had them pulled down, carted lock, stock and barrel to St. Leonards, and reerected in Northstreet exactly as they were before, even down to the present shelves in the shop window.
That was the start of the milk business that stands there to this day, and where Mr. Chapman's grandson, now silver-haired and with grand-children of his own, stands behind the counter selling milk, butter and eggs. With the centenary of this unique family record is coupled the history of at least five generations of Charles Chapmans, all engaged locally in the milk trade, and there was in all probability a still earlier Charles Chapman who sold milk in the dim and distant past. In any case the family name appears in the Hastings records throughout a period of 300 years—even before the Whit-Sunday of 1603, when Jane the wife of Charles Chapman, passed away.
Hastings and St Leonards Observer - Saturday 14 January 1939 UNIQUE BUSINESS RECORD DEATH OF MR. C. W. CHAPMAN A St. Leonards family's unique business record is recalled by the death on Thursday last week of Mr. Charles William Chapman, of 23, North-street, St. Leonards, at the age of 73. Mr. Chapman had been In business as a dairyman for nearly 40 years and no fewer than five generations the Chapman family have been engaged in the milk trade for over a century. His grandfather established the present business in 1834, and Mr. Chapman's wife, three sons and his daughter assist in the business. For over 20 years, Mr Chapman was a trustee or the Royal Adelaide Lodge of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, an office which he resigned about a year ago.
Although he never spent a penny on betting, Mr, Chapman was a regular visitor to the Derby, which he must have seen at least 40 times. Last year was the first Derby he missed. Incidentally, his grandson was bom on Derby Day, 1928. Mr. Chapman also made a practice of visiting London on the occasion of Royal events, and was extremely disappointed because he was unable to pay a visit for the Coronation of King George VI.
Charles W, and his wife Charlotte are buried in FD A25
Hastings and St Leonards Observer - Saturday 30 November 1929 CHAPMAN.—On November 26th. at his home, 23. North-street. St. Leonards, George [Frederick] Chapman, youngest and beloved son of Charles W. and Charlotte Chapman, passed peacefully away after many years of suffering patiently borne, aged 29.—Rest at last. FD A26
CHAPMAN.-We regret to record the death of Mr. George Frederick Chapman, the age of 29. He was the youngest son Mr.and Mrs. Charles William Chapman, the well known dairyman, North-street, St. Leonards, and grandson the late Councillor Charles Chapman. The funeral took place yesterday (Friday), the interment being at the Borough Cemetery…. The mourners present were Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Chapman (father and mother), Mr. C. Chapman (brother). Miss Chapman (sister), Mr. J Chapman (brother), Mr. H. Chapman (brother), Miss E. Chapman (aunt), Mrs. Chapman (sister-in-law), MTS. J. Chapman (sister-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. (great uncle and aunt), Mrs. Wicker son. Mrs. Shirley and MTS. Jones. Hastings and St Leonards Observer - Saturday 30 November 1929
Hastings and St Leonards Observer -
