Hornchurch and Upminster have had a wealth of businesses over the years, so we have looked back at historic photos of some shops in the towns.

From W Franklyn Bootmaker in High Street, Hornchurch, estimated to be taken in the 1940s, to a J Sainsbury's on the same road in 1982, we have selected a wide range of photographs for you to peruse.

W Franklyn Bootmaker in High Street, Hornchurch, est 1940s

Romford Recorder: This business stood at 139 High StreetThis business stood at 139 High Street (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

Here you can see people stood outside W Franklyn Bootmaker in a photo estimated by Havering Libraries to be taken in the 1940s.

Bill Franklyn, business manager, is stood in the main doorway with members of staff gathered to the right.

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J. Sainsbury in High Street, Hornchurch in 1982

Romford Recorder: An historic photo of Sainsbury's in HornchurchAn historic photo of Sainsbury's in Hornchurch (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

This 1980s photo shows the Sainsbury's store in Hornchurch which was opened at 9.30am on Tuesday December 7 in 1982, according to Havering Libraries.

The store opening marked a significant change to the high street and an newspaper article dated that day hailed its arrival.

Marshall's Newsagent and Stationers in High Street, Hornchurch - late 1960s

Romford Recorder: You can spot Marshall's to the centre-rightYou can spot Marshall's to the centre-right (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

These shops and restaurants stood at the junction with North Street in Hornchurch.

These buildings have been described as more than 400 years old.

Mares of Upminster on Upminster Bridge in 1965

Romford Recorder: The motor cycles and side cars business sits to the right The motor cycles and side cars business sits to the right (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

Mares of Upminster Motor Cycles and Side Cars, originally Essex Side Cars, was next door to BM Cushion Tobacconist.

You can also see Achille Serre, a dry cleaners and dyers, to the left of the photo, taken in the mid 1960s.

BM Cushion in Upminster Road/ Norfolk Road in 1965

Romford Recorder: BM Cushion in Upminster in the mid 60sBM Cushion in Upminster in the mid 60s (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

BM Cushion, despite its name, was not a furniture store. 

It was a tobacconist and sweet shop and the man stood in the door is likely to be George E Cushion, the husband of the proprietor Barbara M Cushion, according to Havering Libraries.

This photo was taken at the junction of Upminster Road and Norfolk Road in 1965.