Early LNER enamel sign, c1920's headed 'You Are At This Spot' showing a local map of the area and lines to Chingford, Epping Seven Kings and Chigwell. A large black arrow is pointing to Gray's Retreat which is on the road to Theydon Bois. The bottom of the sign says 'Nearest L.N.E.R Station Theydon Bois' and 'London and Back 2/-'. The map is black on white ground but the relevant lines are in red as is the border. Interestingly, a good number of local pubs are shown including Theydon Retreat (formerly Riggs) and Grays Retreat. Damaged by a parachute mine during the Second World War. The mine had actually fallen on Yates (formerly Riggs) Retreat on the other side of the road. It had become entangled with the helter skelter and destroyed Yates Retreat completely. Battalions of soldiers were stationed at the retreats during the war, and many of them were killed in this incident. Grays Retreat later took another direct hit from a bomb which destroyed it. Measuring 29 x 39
Category:
Auction: May 2012, Lot: 480
Sold for: GBP£360