House Signs Have a Long and Storied History

Naming of houses and placing on them a sign with said name dates back to Roman times. House signs were the norm on any Roman villa. The practice of naming houses, and in turn placing on the structures ornate house signs began in the United Kingdom around 1100AD.

Up until the nineteenth century house signs were primarily emblazoned for their owners occupation. For example, the Bishop of Exeter's house was called Exeter House, or Bishops House. While house signs were predominantly in use by the rich it was not entirely unusual for common folk to name their house and as such mark that name with a sign. Through the 1700s these house signs were more likely a pronouncement of a trade or even a personality trait. This lent itself to some unique and humourous signage. A publican might name his house Barman Charlie's. A rectory might bear a sign saying Priests House. When parliament introduced house numbering in 1765 the names on houses became superfluous and were limited to larger homes of the gentry. Through the Victorian era House signs began to bear names more poetic in nature. Some attribute this change to the rise in popularity of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. It does seem that from that most romantic Victorian time, the names placed on house signs took a decided turn.

House Signs Themed by Nature

No longer was it fashionable to name a lodge or manor for one's ancestors. Far more impressive were simple names assigned to a theme from nature. A huge estate of several thousand acres might simply be named "The Laurels". Though not of UK origin perhaps the most famous name ever given a home is the ultimately simple "Tara".

Cottages Bungalows and Castles

As the United Kingdom entered the twentieth century prosperity drifted downward to the merchant classes, who, while not owning palatial estates, did build and own lovely cottages and bungalows. As these were unique islands of personal comfort and as indeed a man's home had become his castle, owners hung simple signs at gatepost or doorway to place a finishing touch to their abode.

Hence all of England is spotted with beautiful homes with house signs bearing the names like, Rose Cottage, The Willows, or perhaps the ever-popular colour themes such as Green Gables.

House Signs Continue in Popularity with Creations from Filante Products

Throughout the United Kingdom everyone who takes pride in having built for themselves a cozy nest can easily afford a beautiful house sign. Since 1993 Filante Products of Hampshire has been producing beautiful house signs in a variety of shapes colours and sizes and offering them for sale at very affordable prices.

Signs can be machine printed or hand painted. They can include a number and a name, or simply either. When one considers the many styles and countless colours available from Filante Products the sheer possible variations ensure that every house sign made and sold is a uniquely designed bit of functional art. To order elegant House signs from Filante Products please call +44 (0) 1425 479409 or send us an email at filante@btopenworld.com