12 and 14 Frogmoor
Location/Address
12 and 14 Frogmoor
High Wycombe
Type
Description
Pair of nineteenth century shops on Frogmoor.
Locally listed. 19th century, colour washed bricks, Welsh slate roof. 3 storeys, cornice. 19th century shop windows. Upper storeys have 2 sashes with glazing bars in reveals; wide modern casement on right of first floor (B1).
Statement of Significance
Asset type
Pair of nineteenth century shops on Frogmoor.Historic Interest
Number 14, formerly 23 Frogmoor Gardens, was the shop of Jacob Popp from about 1901 to 1911. Popp (1873-1939) was a Russian immigrant who carried out the business of newsagent, tobacconist and confectioner, opening the shop, illegally, on Sundays. Despite being prosecuted and fined the Sunday trading continued and Popp was eventually fined every week for 8 years. The case became a cause celebre reported in the national and international press. The New York Times headline of 8th March 1908 read "Popp the Martyr of High Wycombe; Tobacconist who has been arrested once a week for the past six years. Keeps shop open Sundays His Martyrdom has been a grand thing for his business - takes in over $100 every Sunday." Popp even issued a set of postcards satirising the affair; these can be seen on SWOP. His occupation of the building is commemorated by the Popps sign on the upper storey.
Date Listed
n/a
Last Updated
20 Sep 2023