East Anglian Village and Town Signs

There are more decorative village and towns signs in East Anglian than in any other region of Britain. They appear in a variety of styles and many of them are fine examples of gaily painted wood carving or wrought ironwork, often made by local artists and craftsmen. Subjects depicted range from local crafts and historical events to local legends and puns on the name. The idea originated with Edward VII, who thought that special signs would encourage local pride in the villages, and the first exmaples of a decorative village and town sign were erected on the Sandringham Estate. Individual styles are recognisable, beginning with that of Harry Carter, whose work provided an important stimulus after his first sign appeared in 1929 in Swaffham depicting a pedlar seeking his fortune in London accompanied by his dog.