An old shop sign has been uncovered in Wealdstone, revealing a glimpse of the High Street’s past.
The timber fascia reads “C & M. Hilton Fishmongers” and was exposed during works to the front of the unit. Based on the signwriting and the style of the building, it likely dates from the 1930s to 1950s, when hand-painted fascias using bold capitals and copperplate script were common.
The unit most recently traded as Delicious Express, an oriental takeaway. On 4 July, firefighters were called after a blaze broke out at the property.
A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said, “Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters responded to a fire on High Street, Wealdstone.
“The fire is located at a building consisting of commercial units with flats above. A single storey outbuilding was alight”.
The rediscovered sign adds another piece to Wealdstone’s history, when traditional family run fishmongers were a regular sight on local high streets.
If you remember C. & M. Hilton or have old photos, get in touch with Harrow Online so we can help fill in the story.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
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