Comments on: The Signs Of Old London https://spitalfieldslife.com/2023/05/08/the-signs-of-old-london-i/ In the midst of life I woke to find myself living in an old house beside Brick Lane in the East End of London Mon, 08 May 2023 20:49:53 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: John Cunningham https://spitalfieldslife.com/2023/05/08/the-signs-of-old-london-i/#comment-1508935 Mon, 08 May 2023 20:49:53 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=195656#comment-1508935 Good old Charles the first! Signs were obviously of great benefit in an age when literacy was not that widespread. When it comes to signs, the pub signs of England are worthy of UNESCO protection if that’s possible! I’m not English but I do visit London frequently. It’s pub signs that also name the pub are an endless fascination for me.

]]> By: Christine Swan https://spitalfieldslife.com/2023/05/08/the-signs-of-old-london-i/#comment-1508924 Mon, 08 May 2023 17:43:35 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=195656#comment-1508924 I am guessing that signs were useful devices for a population where many were not literate. I’m guessing they were also useful when navigating around e.g. “Meet my by the sign of the three squirrels” etc. I think if I had to choose a sign, it would have to be a cat but I do wonder about the origins of some of the more bizarre ones. Very interesting and elightening, thanks GA.

]]> By: Jean https://spitalfieldslife.com/2023/05/08/the-signs-of-old-london-i/#comment-1508907 Mon, 08 May 2023 13:56:41 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=195656#comment-1508907 How wonderful to still some of the old signs of London and how interesting they are. So
pleased they have been kept and not discarded like some of the original buildings Thank you for another enlightening article. I look forward to the next.

]]> By: Cherub https://spitalfieldslife.com/2023/05/08/the-signs-of-old-london-i/#comment-1508896 Mon, 08 May 2023 11:00:04 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=195656#comment-1508896 My favourite of all these is the little midshipman, it’s beautifully carved.

]]> By: Richard Cleaver https://spitalfieldslife.com/2023/05/08/the-signs-of-old-london-i/#comment-1508893 Mon, 08 May 2023 09:12:31 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=195656#comment-1508893 Utterly fascinating. My wife and I often comment on how so few people look up in the street and notice such things. There is much to be learned above the pavement and familiar shop fronts.

One correction if I may…the Three Squirrels sign relates to the private bank of Goslings, which became part of Barclays group rather than NatWest.

]]> By: Lucy https://spitalfieldslife.com/2023/05/08/the-signs-of-old-london-i/#comment-1508889 Mon, 08 May 2023 08:36:30 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=195656#comment-1508889 The elephant and castle sign is noted as belonging to the Cutlers, and I believe that the Elephant & Castle area in South London was named after a pub using the same representation. Is there any connection between the pub and the Cutlers?

]]> By: Bill Hall https://spitalfieldslife.com/2023/05/08/the-signs-of-old-london-i/#comment-1508874 Mon, 08 May 2023 02:13:55 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=195656#comment-1508874 A wonderful view into times gone by. I learn something everyday from your articles. Makes me realise I should keep my eyes peeled and notice more when in the City

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