R A Jones was a favourite on Southend High Street after World War II attack

The jewellery store was opened by Robert Arthur Jones in 1890 and welcomed scores of customers when online shopping was not a thing.

Mr Jones died in 1925 and hundreds of residents headed to Southend High Street to pay their respects.

His store was taken over by his son, Edward Cecil, and suffered severe damage during World War Two following an attack in October 1942.

Prominent character in the community - Robert Arthur Jones was a well-respected businessman and enjoyed great success before his death in 1925

The shop bounced back before eventually closing in 1979.

Mr Jones’ legacy lives on, with his name still adorning the building on Southend High Street and the clock which stood proudly above the shopfront restored in recent years.

Legacy - R A Jones still adorns the building where the shop once stood, with the name moulded into the fascia Picture: GAZ DE VERE

Scroll down to see more images of the shop and Mr Jones' legacy.

In the early days - Robert Arthur Jones opened his store on Southend High Street in 1890 and it remained there until 1979

From a bygone era - R A Jones was joined by the likes of McDonald's on Southend High Street before it closed its doors for the final time

Packed out - R A Jones was among the most popular shops along Southend High Street in its heyday

Rolling back the years - an advertisement for the jewellery store

SEE ALSO

• Debenhams closure: The fondly remembered stores Southend and Basildon loved and lost
• IN PICTURES: When Southend High Street used to be bustling with Christmas shoppers

Paying their respects - hundreds of residents headed to Southend High Street to remember Robert Arthur Jones after his death in 1925

Landmark - the clock adorning the shop was billed as a tourist attraction in this advertisement

In all its glory - Mayor of Southend Fay Evans unveiled the restored R A Jones clock in October 2017