Colliss & Sons, fishmongers and poulterers, Littlehampton

After a short escapade to the continent, I'm back on English soil with today's sign. Back in the 1860s, I could have taken from Dieppe or Le Havre a paddle steamer bound for Littlehampton. Indeed following the arrival of the railway from London, a regular service opened between the West Sussex harbour and the Channel Islands and France. However after two decades the number of passengers declined, many prefering the shorter crossings from Dover or Newhaven. A freight-only service was kept for a few more years but by the early twentieth century, the company ceased all traffic. For decades the Steam Packet by the River Arun stood as a reminder of the service to the continent but even that pub has now shut down. I know this blog isn't about pub signs, but I found this one particularly attractive.

For a ghost sign, I have to walk down the High Street to reach this well-preserved example.

Colliss & Sons.
The Old Estab^ld
Fishmongers & Poulterers
& Licensed Dealers in Game.
Location: Surrey Street, Litlehampton, West Sussex / Picture taken on: 11/04/2009