Listen up, history buffs: Historic England wants you! The organisation is creating a map of the UK’s ‘ghost signs’ and is looking for people around the country to help out.
Never heard of a ghost sign? Well, they’re not signals of paranormal activity. In fact, chances are you’ve definitely seen one. They come in lots of shapes and sizes but generally are historic hand-painted advertising signs or old shop signs preserved on buildings which have since changed use.
Historic England describes them as ‘faded relics’ that can ‘tell us much about our collective architectural, cultural and social history’. It hopes that the map will help broaden understanding about where ghost signs can be found.
Chief exec Duncan Wilson 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.
‘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.’
You can see some examples and submit your own pics of ghost signs on the Historic England website here. Get snapping!
Time Out’s take
When you walk through the streets of British cities, you’re never far from a fascinating piece of history, but if you really want to feel like you’ve travelled in time and see ‘ghost signs’ brought back to life then our list of the UK’s best immersive living museums is for you.
ICYMI: Glasgow has just been named one of the best cities in the world.
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