James Yates was a hairdresser (with the typical sideline as a tobacconist) in Smith Street for many decades. After his death he became well-known for the benevolent disposal of his assets, but is nowadays remembered as the original owner of Portia in Victoria Parade, a handsome building which has largely withstood the ravages of time and development. Victoria Parade was conceived as a grand boulevard and residences such as Portia remain key contributors to the retention of its character.

The Reverend Charles Yelland was minister at St Saviour’s Church in Oxford Street from its opening until his death in 1891; he was an untiring worker for the poor and noted as a persuasive speaker, although unostentatious in personality.