Step Back In Time

We went to Penrith today. Only 25 miles up the A6 but, at one point I thought we’d travelled back a couple of centuries in time as well!
I’d already decided that Arnison’s shop front would make an interesting blip - anywhere that describes itself as “High Class Drapers, Silk Mercers, Hosiers and Glovers” is definitely not an establishment that was frequented by the hoi-polloi! In fact, as it’s been around since 1742, it would no doubt have seen the landed gentry arriving in their horse drawn carriages.
As if on cue, I then heard the clip clop of hooves behind me and was astounded to see this carriage and horses making their way down the Middlegate! Grabbed my phone and just managed to get a shot at the right moment. Mrs C spoke to a passer-by who informed her that it was quite a common sight and that the carriage driver used to compete at a high level against the likes of the Duke of Edinburgh.
All in all, a successful day out - we tracked down some books we’d been after for a while, Mrs C spotted a lovely little ornament which I bought as a present for her upcoming birthday and we rounded off the day with a visit to Cranstons Food Hall, where many fine comestibles were purchased. Definitely looking forward to Cumberland Meatballs in a spiced fruity sauce for tea tonight!