For almost 200 years, this carved wooden sign above the doorway of 35 Stonegate advertised a series of book-related businesses known as "The Sign of the Bible".

Image A1

Photo as per caption. Opens larger version.
The 3-dimensional advertising sign in the form of a Bible, suspended from the intricately carved and part-gilded door surround of 35 Stonegate.

The front and spine of the Bible are ornately decorated in gold-coloured paint. The front cover bears the text "Holy Bible 1682".

The proprietors of "The Sign of the Bible" are believed to have been:

  • 1682 to 1731: Francis Hildyard.
  • 1731 to 1757: John Hildyard (son of Francis).
  • 1757 to 1762: John Hinxman.
  • 1762 to circa 1873: John Todd, followed by his two sons.

The activities conducted from these premises during this period included book and pamplet publishing / printing, book warehousing, book sales, book binding and a 'circulation library' (the latter being a private lending library, usually offering short-term loans to wealthy clients in return for a subscription).

In 1873-4, the premises were acquired by John Ward Knowles, who was a glass painter / stained glass artist by trade. The leaded light that is still in-situ above the shop door provides details of the services offered (see Image B1). Some of the other historic details on the shop front are also worthy of note (see Image B2).

Image B1

Photo as per caption. Opens larger version.
The leaded overlight above the door of
number 35 Stonegate.
The text on the glass reads:
"J.W.KNOWLES AND SONS
STAINED GLASS
LEADED LIGHTS
DECORATIONS."

Image B2

Photo as per caption. Opens larger version.
Other historic shopfront details include a bootscraper, ornate ironwork and highly decorated glazed tiles beneath the overhanging windows. The tiles relate to J.K. Knowles' business and include the date '1874'. Note that their patterns and text are incomplete.

Further Reading

For a brief explanation of why three-dimensional symbols like this one were once commonplace in towns and cities, see the brief article 'Giving directions before the advent of standardised addresses'.