How much do you think St Neots has changed over the last 100 years?

The market town of St Neots has seen a huge expansion in the last century, and none, more so than its High Street and shopping centre.

The Market Square is still the focal point of the town centre, but the shops, historically family-run businesses, have changed dramatically.

Check out our interactive sliders below to see the difference!

Barretts of St Neots

Barretts (45/47 Market Square) was another much-loved, long-standing family business on the High Street, and again, from humble beginnings, the shop survived for more than 100 years before finally closing its doors in 2017.

The store was opened in 1888 by Arthur Barrett as a men's clothing shop, and in 1889, Charles Huckle, aged 12, was employed as a shop assistant.

The Hunts Post: Barretts of St Neots specialised in gifts, stationery and toys.Barretts of St Neots specialised in gifts, stationery and toys. (Image: Alan Huckle)

When Mr Barrett died from meningitis aged 29, Charles Huckle continued working for his widow, Kitty and took over the business in 1908 when she died.

Records show that in 1911, Barrett's corner shop was originally based in Victoria House on High Street.

Woolworths

Most people have fond memories of Woolworths and the St Neots store is now an Iceland outlet.

The store closed on January 3, 2009, and was based at 29-31 High Street.

Plums cafe and cake shop

The Plums bakery and cake shop was at 33 High Street.

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Brittains

The Hunts Post: The family furniture business that has been in St Neots for 120 years is closing its doors later this year.The family furniture business that has been in St Neots for 120 years is closing its doors later this year. (Image: 2023 Google)

Brittains, at 62 High Street, began trading in 1904 and was started by Frank Brittain at premises in Eaton Ford, selling bikes and furniture.

The Hunts Post: An old Brittains delivery vehicle.An old Brittains delivery vehicle. (Image: Brittains)

Frank's brother Archie later joined the business and, at the tender age of 12, was responsible for delivering paraffin in a hand truck around the town.

The family business moved to the High Street in 1924 but announced the business was finally closing for good a few months ago.

St Neots Market Square

Thursday was always the highlight of the week, with livestock auctions in New Street and a weekly market in the Market Square.

The Hunts Post: St Neots Market Square in the 1960s.St Neots Market Square in the 1960s. (Image: St Neots Museum)

The Hunts Post: St Neots Market Square today.St Neots Market Square today. (Image: 2023 Google)

In fact, weekly markets have been held on the Market Square since 1130, when a market charter was created.

The cattle auction closed in 1985, and there is now a new auction house, W&H Peacocks Auction Centre, on the site and the Old Court Sheltered Housing complex.

The Hunts Post: The cattle auction in the 1950s.The cattle auction in the 1950s. (Image: Ekins)

The town even had its own bank and currency at one time. The Bank of St Neots was established in 1807, and it is believed this was situated at 16 Market Square (now Greggs at 15 Market Square).

The Hunts Post: The old St Neots bank is now the home of a Greggs.The old St Neots bank is now the home of a Greggs. (Image: 2023 Google)

The St Neots one-pound note turned up in a pawn shop a few years ago and is now on display at the St Neots Museum.

The Hunts Post: The old St Neots pound note.The old St Neots pound note. (Image: St Neots Museum)