Looking back into Coggeshall from the old Colchester Road. On the left just out of shot is Raincroft Barn and on the right is 'Bensons' off licence. In 1914 this was owned by H H Pratt who sold a variety of drink including ale at 10d a gallon and mineral water 'Made from the Celebrated Coggeshall Waters'. Mr Pratt also advertised a horse and trap for hire - perhaps the very one shown in the photo.
In 1911 the premises were offered for sale; ' a dwelling-house to which is attached a beer house, off licence with garden'. It was bought by the Benskins Ltd the brewers from Bishops Stortford for £375.
This off licence was useful in my time for buying cigarettes away from prying eyes but it must have finally closed in the late 1960s to early 1970s.
Date; probably about 1900.
Ref 22/12