This ghost sign is promoting something to do with one of Carshalton’s favourite pastimes – drinking beer of course. It once clearly read “Free Off Licence Hammerton Oatmeal Stout”
It’s dated circa 1935 and is probably original to when the parade of shops on Stanley Park Road was built.
A very brief bit of history, stay with us – An old brewery in Stockwell, South London was purchased in around 1868 by Charles Hammerton, and by 1937 Hammerton and Co owned 91 “freehold and leasehold off licensed properties”.
In 1958 this part of the company was bought by Watney Combe Reid. They were said to be most interested in Hammerton’s substantial number of off-licences that “sold beer for home consumption”.
The pub part of the Hammerton business was sold to Charrington, who once owned The Hope pub in West Street. They still have a mention on the front of the pub.
The sign was later completely covered by a large advertising hoarding. The hoarding became blocked when a new Sainsbury’s was built next door, where a Texaco Garage once stood. This hoarding was removed circa 2015.
This happens to be the spot where the Good Shepherd Iron Church once stood.
A fascinating peek into the past don’t you think? Thanks for reading.
Credits: Brighton Buzz, Richard Percival’s Brewery Tray and Breweriana Website, Protzon Beer. The sign is situated on the corner of Park View Close and Stanley Park Road.
Fascinating!