With Halloween approaching, today's Object of the Week has a spooky theme - well, sort of.

A corner of a building in York carries a sign advertising the services of an ironmonger.

But FR Stubbs no longer trades there. It is an example of a 'ghost sign' - and now a group which champions the country's heritage is inviting the public to add images and information about ghost signs in their local area to a new map.

Ghost signs can come in many forms but typically they are historic hand-painted advertising signs, or old shop signs preserved on buildings which have since changed use.
The Northern Echo: Historic hand-painted advertising signs - 'ghost signs' - can be seen on high streets across the countryHistoric hand-painted advertising signs - 'ghost signs' - can be seen on high streets across the country (Image: HISTORIC ENGLAND)

Often found in urban areas, ghost signs are an important part of the historic fabric on high streets.

These faded relics can tell us much about our collective architectural, cultural and social history. They give us a window into how buildings were once used and have changed over time, as well as what products were popular and how they were advertised to the public.

Our example, on a building on the corner of Fossgate and Merchantgate, in York, advertised the services of FR Stubbs - highlighting 'sliding doog gear' and 'tools for all trades'.

The Northern Echo: Ironmonger FR Stubbs no longer occupies this building in York - but the 'ghost sign' advertising it remainsIronmonger FR Stubbs no longer occupies this building in York - but the 'ghost sign' advertising it remains (Image: YOUSSEF SIDA/HISTORIC ENGLAND)

The ironmonger was first established in 1904 but later relocated in 1915 to the Grade II listed Foss Bridge House.

FR Stubbs traded here until 2001 when the building was put up for sale. Despite the building having changed function over the years, the sign still remains. 

Now, ahead of Halloween, Historic England is asking the public to help map ghost signs across England by uploading images and information to the Historic England website.   

The hope is that this new online map will encourage people to look up beyond the shop fronts in their towns, villages and on their local high streets, share images and information about their local ghost signs and invite others to visit and explore them. 

The Northern Echo: This faded sign advertising matches is on the side of a building in Blyth, NorthumberlandThis faded sign advertising matches is on the side of a building in Blyth, Northumberland (Image: HISTORIC ENGLAND)

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “Once you start looking up on high streets and hunting for ghost signs, you’ll find that they’re hidden in plain sight, tucked away down alleyways or hiding among rooftops.

Previous Objects of the Week features:

 

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"These mysterious pieces of secret history are a special reminder of the people who came before us, and the urban spaces and high streets they made their own.

"We want to hear what people know and love about their local ghost signs, and to create a map that we can all use to explore this evocative part of our urban heritage.”  

Upload ghost signs to the map here: historicengland.org.uk/ghostsigns

  • Next week's object will continue the ghost signs theme, featuring a mosaic sign for a long gone business in Darlington and a tale of betrayal, death and ice cream.