Mutual Life Philanthropic Assurance Collecting Society

This building on Market Street was once the offices of the Mutual Life Philanthropic Assurance Collecting Society.

For the first half of the last century and at least a couple of decades either side, most towns had offices belonging to numerous Insurance Companies and Friendly Societies. Agents of these companies used to visit people in their homes collecting weekly insurance premiums.

Gradually many of the small firms were taken over leaving a core of about twelve companies. As the economic climate changed, smaller offices were closed. The collectors became first salesmen and finally financial advisors. With more and more business being conducted by banks and premiums being paid by direct debit, many Insurance Companies stopped issuing new policies.

This building is now home to an off-licence and grocery store.