Needing attention - the R A Jones jewellers store suffered damage during the Second World War Our high streets have changed drastically over the years, but R A Jones was one of Southend’s favourite retail outlets for close to 90 years. 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.