After the signboards were removed from Meeks' frontage, the older boards have been exposed for the first time in a hundred years or so. These go back to 1860, and under the paintwork can be seen two other sets of lettering, right back to when the buildings were first erected in around 1835. With care, I have no doubt that the older lettering can be read; I can make some headway on these pictures. On the old building that became Cosi, the column is painted black, and yet raised letters can be made out, it appears to read Tobacco, whether these were from the previous owners or from the older Tobacconist, remains to be seen. This is the oldest exposed shop nameboard in Penzance, perhaps in Cornwall.... What lies beneath others in the town? Will your fascias last 144 years?
