Building record 1160/0/627 - 111 Kettering Road

Constructed in the late 19th century and used as a furniture warehouse from 1890 by Frederick Cave. Red brick, now covered by concrete render, and Welsh slate. A very faint ghost sign survives on the south gable.

{1} Notes from record: 'Sign now largely illegible. Earlier photo shows how it used to be.
In years gone by there were signs on the front (south east) elevation as can be seen in the attached photos but these are now illegible. The photos apparently show the business traded at one time as Cave’s Cabinet Works. The sign immediately above the shop front read MANUFACTURING F.CAVE (followed by an illegible word).
The business was started by Frederick Cave in 1879, probably at 123 Kettering Road where he is thought to have lived and worked.
From around 1882 the business operated from Kettering Road under the name The East End Furnishing Warehouse.
Around 1890 the business relocated to these larger premises at 111 Kettering Road and Frederick and his family went to live nearby at 1 Spencer Road.
Over time the company expanded its warehousing into Queens Road at the back of 111 Kettering Road (where three signs remain today – see separate entry).
The business was renamed F. & C.H. Cave in the 1920s when youngest son Charles Harold cave joined the family firm after serving in the army during the First World War.
The signage previously on the front (south east) elevation of 111 Kettering Road was covered over after the business closed in the early twenty first century.'

<1> Project volunteers and MOLA, 2026, Ghosts of Industry record forms, 111 Kettering Road (Digital archive). SNN117091.

Record last edited

Aug 28 2026 9:33AM