Hinton Lake & Son Ltd, a short history of an Exeter Chemist

A historic house

The building that houses the present Laura Ashley, at 41 High Street, was for many years the premises of Hinton Lake, the chemists. The building, largely dating from 1564 was called the Mansion House up until 1740. It was constructed on a much older site and part of the wall that was built in 1285/6 to create Cathedral Close, runs through the basement. A 14th century fireplace was discovered in the early 20th century. In the 16th century, the risk of fire was great in plaster and lathe buildings, and the merchants in 40 and 41 High Street, built a thick firewall between the properties.

The building was used by Judge Jeffreys during the Bloody Assizes to impose the will of James II on the West Country rebels who had supported the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion, and his attempt for the throne, in 1685.

John Hinton Lake

John Hinton Lake was born in Exeter in 1845, the son of William Caperon Lake, a tailor and Jane Hinton. In 1869, John married Ellen Neck in St Sidwells and the couple had seven children. John Hinton Lake is listed as a pharmaceutical chemist in the 1881 and 1901 census, based at 41, High Street. The business, expanded over the years and branches were opened in Tiverton and Sidmouth.

The business was taken over by Hinton Lake's eldest son, John W Lake (born 1870) who was a keen early photographer and was, in 1908, the Honorary Secretary of the Exeter Camera Club. When he retired, his son Roland Lake took over the shop. Further branches in Seaton, Beer and Sidford were eventually opened. Shops in the High Street were far more varied than now - W G Hoskins noted that in 1919, there was William Gould, a grocer that opened in 1803, that became Gould and Allen, grocers and tea dealers in the photograph, on one side of Hinton Lake and Brown and Sons, florists and fruiterers on the other.

Photographic dealer

To give an idea of the range of services Hinton Lake provided Exonians, a 1933 advert offers medicines, nursery supplies, perfume, and optician services. John W Lake's early interest in photography meant that the shop was one of the first suppliers of photographic equipment and film and offered an 8 hour developing and printing service for what was becoming a popular hobby.

As early as 1913, the business provided a cinematograph hire service, and in 1933 they sold Ensign Cine Talking Cameras which was only four years after the talkies were invented. In 1971, Roland Lake retired and the business was sold to Holman, Ham & Co. The premises became Star Jeans for a time before Laura Ashley occupied this ancient and historic shop.

Sources - 1881 and 1901 Census, Bill Douglas (University) website and my memory. Photo courtesy of the City Parks Department. © 2005 David Cornforth directories. © 2006 David Cornforth - not to be used without permission