The History of
27 Chapel Street, Chorley.
1878
Construction starts on 27 & 29 Chapel Street.
1879
The first tenant - Luke Berry & Son - Photographers move from there previous premesis at no.10 Market Place into the newly finished building. The building is named 'Excelsior Studios' and is used as a photography studio and for the display and sale of Art & Photographs.
c1910
An Ordinance Survey Map that was completed in 1910 shows a fast growing chorley town centre. (Excelsior Studios is highlighted with a red outline.
c1911
27-29 are seen decorated to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King George V.
c1910s
A selection of portrait photographs likely taken on the first floor of 27 Chapel Street in the 1910's. Subjects Unknown.
c1910s
In this photograph taken from the junction of Market Street & Chapel Street, Excelsior Studios can be picked out by the painted writing on the side of the building. The writing says 'Luke Berry & Son. Photographers'.
1915
The C Company of the 7th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment - or the 'Chorley Pals' as they became known, march up past Excelsior Studios (right) to the train station en route to Caernarvon, North Wales for deployment during WWI.
c1920s
An Organ Grinder and Monkey can be seen outside of Excelsior Studios entertaing a group of children.
1930s
After the death of Luke Berry in 1928, the Lancashire Electric Power Company move into 27-29 Chapel Street and open their Showroom to the public.
1940s
Chapel Street as seen from above in this photograph taken from the roof of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
1950s
Post the introduction of the Electricity Act 1947 and the Nationalisation of the Electricity companies, 27-29 is taken over by M & E Kenyon who where Milliners. A Milliner is someone who designs and/or sells hats, fascinators and other headwear for various occasions.
Late 1950s
27 & 29 are split into seperate units.
1960s
After M & E Kenyon's departure, the shoe and boot retailer Stylo begin trading in no.27 as seen in the bellow picture from the late 60s.
1960s
When 27 & 29 was split in the 1950's, we beleive that the 1st and 2nd floors where still one unit. We understand that the top floors where occupied by Chorley & Leyland School of Motoring ran by Eric Unsworth and Ernie Ballard. Here is a clipping of a quater page advertisment in the Chorley & District Directory from 1964.
1970 - 1973
Following the departure of Stylo to 33 Market Steet, TRS Television & Radio Services (Visionhire/Relay Vision) renovates no.27 into their new showroom. Below are 2 newspaper advertisments taken from the Lancashire Telegraph in January and November 1970.
1975
A previous tenent returns! After fitting a new shop front, Stylo - now Barretts Shoes moves back into no.27.
1980s
McGregors Butchers begins trading.
1990s
After the addition of a rear extention in 1995, Cancer Research UK open a charity shop in no.27.
2000s & 2010s
Cancer Research UK continue to trade at no.27 throughout the noughties and 2010s.
2020
After numerous lockdowns of the Covid-19 pademic, Cancer Research UK move out of 27 and into 33 Chapel Street. No.27 is put on the market to let and for sale.
2024
Róandi Estates Ltd aquires the Freehold of 27 Chapel Street in June 2024 and begin a back to brick renovation of the building.
2025
After extensive renovations, Róandi Hair & Beauty opens to the public on Monday 11th November 2025.
