Discover the Rich History of Byrne Brothers: A Local Gem Soon to be on Sale with Bridges Fleet

In the heart of our community lies a true treasure – Byrne Brothers, a piece of local history that has woven itself into the fabric of our town. We’re thrilled to share the exciting news that this cherished establishment will soon be hitting the market with Bridges Fleet. The buzz and whispers surrounding this historic gem have not gone unnoticed, and we are delighted to be the bearers of this announcement.

Let’s take a step back in time and delve into the remarkable journey of Byrne Brothers. The tale began in 1922 when William Matthew Byrne, armed with determination and a mere £20, purchased a paper round from another newsagent in Fleet. He embarked on a journey that would eventually shape the essence of our community. The business was initially housed in a modest wooden hut on Green Lane, which was later renamed Beacon Hill Road in 1936. The roots were firmly planted, and by 1932, the wooden hut had gracefully evolved into the distinctive house and shop that still stand on the very same spot today.

The Original Byrne Brothers Wooden Hut Circa 1932.

In 1946, the reins of this local institution were handed over to William George and Thomas James, who breathed new life into the store, christening it WG and TJ Byrne. Over the years, the establishment flourished, becoming a cornerstone of the neighbourhood. In 1959, the name evolved yet again to the familiar Byrne Brothers, a change that effortlessly “rolled off the tongue better” and resonated with the town’s inhabitants.

As time flowed, the responsibility of carrying on the legacy passed into the capable hands of William’s son, Ray Byrne. Supported by his brothers Kevin and Bill, Ray navigated the challenges and triumphs of running Byrne Brothers. For decades, the store stood as a testament to unwavering commitment, serving as the go-to destination for news and more.

However, as all good things must eventually find their endings, in 2002, Ray made the bittersweet decision to retire, leading to the closure of the shop. Yet, this closure marks not an end, but a new beginning as we usher in the next chapter for the Byrne Brothers building.

Byrne Brothers Building 2023

Did you know? When the Crookham Park development was built circa 2017, the Byrne bros had the honour of a road named after them in Crookham Park – Byrne Avenue!

 This is a fitting tribute to the impact they’ve had on the community.

If you share our passion for preserving local history and envision bringing this iconic piece of our community’s past into its promising future, we invite you to reach out to Rob at Bridges Fleet.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey to celebrate and embrace our local heritage.