A Little Cheap Street History
- Becky Percival
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Cheap Street is one of those Frome streets that most of us stroll along without a second thought - but pause for a moment, and you’ll find it quietly brimming with centuries of stories.
Back in early 2022, we took a proper wander down Cheap Street and uncovered a little gem of local history that sheds light on how this iconic street came to be.
Why 'Cheap' Doesn’t Mean Cheap at All
Despite what modern ears might assume, Cheap Street has nothing to do with bargains or cut-price shopping.
The name comes from the old word 'chapman', meaning a trader or merchant. In fact, Cheap Street was once known as Chap Street or Le Chipstrete - literally 'the street of traders.' It was, quite simply, the commercial heart of the town.
A Street With Roots Going Back to 1500 (and Beyond)
The earliest written mention of Cheap Street dates back to 1500, when a document recorded the purchase of a vacant plot of land for the building of a butcher’s shop. Even that small detail tells us something important - this street was already well-established by the time it made it into the records.
Historian Goodall notes that shops with living accommodation above were considered positively middle-class in the 15th and 16th centuries. These properties were likely far better built than many of the more humble homes elsewhere in the town.
Looking Beyond the Famous No.11
While No. 11 Cheap Street often steals the limelight (and quite rightly so), Goodall had his eye on another building entirely.
He described the fourth house on the left as you walk uphill as “the first really interesting house.” And once you look beyond the frontage, it’s easy to see why.
Tudor Bones and Timeless Craftsmanship
At the rear of the building, its Tudor credentials truly shine. Here you’ll find mighty 18-inch oak beams, almost certainly treated with linseed oil - a traditional method that has stood the test of time.
Our wonderfully wild-haired, meandering photographer once chatted to an old cabinet maker who shared a piece of old wisdom: Brush oak with linseed oil every day for a week, every week for a month, then every month for a year - and you’ll never need to touch it again. Sometimes, the old ways really are the best.
A Small Word of Caution
There is, however, a small note of concern. The visible strap (or ribbon) pointing on the stonework isn’t ideal for buildings of this age. Traditional stone and lime mortar need to breathe, and this kind of pointing can trap moisture and lead to damp issues.
Definitely one for a lime repair specialist — and a good reminder that caring for historic buildings requires the right materials and knowledge.
Streets That Hold Stories
Cheap Street isn’t just a row of houses and shops. It’s a layered record of Frome’s trading past, its craftsmanship, and the people who lived and worked here long before us.
Frome’s streets don’t just hold buildings — they hold centuries of stories.
If you are a business and would like to have a Spotlight feature written about you and published on Fabulous Frome, please contact Becky on +44 7793 561696 or becky@fabulousfrome.co.uk. For prices, click here.
