Former butcher's shop (with 'ghost sign'), now Nicky C Lifestyle

Image: © Stefan Czapski Taken: 11 Sep 2012

Facing the east side of Godstone village green, at the southern end of the High Street. The sign over the entrance reads 'Knight's Butcher & Poulterer, Est. 1591'. The building itself isn't that old, but retains some very interesting old features, probably of 19th century origin. The most obvious is the awning supported by metal pillars - an arrangement that must once have been standard for butchers' shops in this area, with surviving examples to be seen at Image and at Robert & Edwards' fine old shop in Reigate. Interesting, too, are the old shutters, hinged not at the sides but at top and bottom - an arrangement that must once have been very common for shop fronts, and may well date back many centuries. Anyway, good luck to Nicky C - businesses like hers are vital to the life of our villages and small towns. My photo was taken at about 5.35pm, shortly after closing time.

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