Ghost Signs Hunt in Lincolnshire
People residing in and visiting historic Lincolnshire are being encouraged to scan for 'ghost signs'. This is a part of the countrywide initiative led by the authoritative body for national historical preservation, Historic England.
Commonly, these ghost signs emerge as hand-painted advertising boards or olden shop signs that have stood the test of time on the facades of edifices that have since been repurposed. They hold significance as an essential component of the history and character of our beloved high streets.
Revealing Historical Fabric
These signs uncover insights into the transformational architectural, social, and cultural history of our communities.
"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," stated Duncan Wilson, the chief executive of Historic England.
Mapping Ghost Signs
The idea behind this move is to bring people's awareness and love for their local ghost signs to the limelight and create an interactive map that we can all use to journey through this captivating element of our city heritage.
As a part of the initiative, anyone who manages to find a ghost sign is prompted to add it to the interactive map. Historic England believes that this will help shed new light on the UK. Provided contributions will be evaluated within three business days, and if found suitable, will be displayed for everyone to see on the map.