This building once housed Gibb and Bell merchants as well as part Coates and Son, Printers and Stationers.
James Bell, a partner in the business was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland circa 1869. He and his wife Elizabeth had no family but a niece, Isabella Douglas is found living with them in 1911 and working as a Clerk in her uncle’s business.
James died on 27th June 1915 – they lived in Swansfield Park Road at the time.
In 1885 there is a record of M. A. Gibb being commended at the 1885 Northumberland Show.
Gibb and Bell catered to the clothing needs of horses as well as people.
The shop for Coates and Son printers could be entered from both 26 Fenkle Street and Narrowgate. While the actual printing took place in St. Andrew’s Hall, New Row, this is where they sold stationery and took orders for printing.