Snapshots in Time: A Journey Through Arundel’s Changing Streets
Arundel is more than just a destination; it is a place where every corner turned feels like a step back through the centuries. While many of us are familiar with the iconic profile of the Castle dominating the skyline, we’ve recently been looking through some historical images that tell a more intimate story of daily life in this historic town.
Historical Arundel: The sign on the building refers to "Goss," which historical records for Arundel often link to long-standing local businesses or jewellers. The building itself is a well-known historic site in Arundel, famously associated with the jewellery trade dating back to the late 18th century.
The Ever-Changing High Street
Looking at these photographs, the first thing that strikes you is how the rhythm of town life has evolved. Take a look at these two contrasting views of the same stretch of road.
In the older black-and-white capture, we see a bustling scene dominated by heavy freight – a reminder of when Arundel served as a vital transit artery. The architecture stands proud and familiar, but the presence of the large lorry highlights a time when the High Street was the primary thoroughfare for industry. Fast forward to the later image, and we see the same historic building (notably housing a jewellers) but the scene has softened. It offers a fascinating glimpse into how our architectural heritage remains the constant anchor while the world moving around it continues to shift.
Who remembers the classic VW Beetle?
Echoes of the Past
Some of the most captivating images are those that capture the quiet corners of Arundel. In another view, we see a snapshot of a more leisurely era, with a classic car parked near what was then the Mill House Restaurant. These images are more than just old photos; they are records of memory. They remind us that the walls of Longmace House and the surrounding properties have witnessed everything from the rattle of industrial transport to the quiet charm of a small-town afternoon.
Keeping the Story Alive
It is easy to walk past these buildings every day without realising the decades of change they have absorbed. Whether it was the signage for local businesses like Goss, or the transformation of storefronts into the luxury spaces we recognise today, these images provide a necessary bridge between the Arundel of yesterday and the one we cherish now.
History isn't just about what happened inside the castle walls; it is about the shops, the streets, and the daily commute of the people who built this town.
We’d love to hear from you – do you recognise these spots? Or perhaps you have your own historical images of Arundel tucked away in an attic? We’d be very excited to see them!