BUTCHER'S shops are sadly few and far between these days, as shoppers have switched to more convenient supermarkets over the last 50 years. But one former Rochford butcher went to great lengths to protect their stock, using a gun.

On the junction of North Street, South Street, East Street and West Street stands the restored medieval buildings known collectively as Horner’s Corner.

Echo: Horner's Corner is now home to O'Dell's Cafe.Horner's Corner is now home to O'Dell's Cafe. (Image: Julie Gooding)

The name "Horner" originated from a butcher who traded from this building.

However, Horner’s isn’t the only butcher’s to have operated there. From 1886 until 1972, records show butchers by the names of Webster, Palmer and Horner.

In the 19th Century, it was standard practice for turkeys or joints of meat to be hung outside the butchers.

To protect them from being stolen, an armed guard was walked up and down all night with a gun flung over his shoulder. It was a sure-fire way to keep thieves at bay.

Echo: Historic - parts of the original building date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.Historic - parts of the original building date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. (Image: Julie Gooding)

Turning into East Street, is a striking a black timber-clad building, not in keeping with the usual white cladding.

Originally, this cladded structure was all part of the historic butcher’s shop.

At the rear of the building was the "sinister" abattoir. Memoirs recall animals "peering" over the fence, with their eyes full of fear.  

Livestock was sold in the Market Square, walked across the street and round Horner's Corner into the abattoir.

The building's modern day restoration won the Council’s Design Heritage and Conservation Award in 2002.
 

Now, it stands as a reminder of a longstanding butcher's shop.

With thanks to Councillor Julie Gooding and Rochford Town Team.