The York Ghost Signs Project

Harvey Scruton

 

Address: 74 Micklegate, York, YO1 6LF (now The Lawrance)

 

Description

A narrow sign spanning the entire width of the building proudly displays “Harvey-Scruton LTD”, marking the legacy of a family-run chemist.

 

History

Harvey-Scruton LTD was once a cherished family-run chemist. The interior of the building retained a charmingly old-fashioned feel, with walls painted dark brown up to waist height, topped by a thin black line and cream above.

 

This nostalgic decor complemented the building’s historical roots, once serving as a coaching inn with stables, evidenced by hay rack marks still visible on the wall at the back of the building along Tanner Row. 

 

1965 – Advert for Gripe Mixture

 

The chemist was renowned for Nurse Harvey’s Gripe Mixture, a children’s medicine developed by Harvey Scruton, which remains on the market today.

 

2024

 

However, in 2013, the original sign was painted over with a modern design featuring a grey background and ‘The Lawrence’ in a thin white font, marking the building’s transition to an upmarket holiday apartment rental, which it remains as today.

 

The transformation of this space reflects its evolution from a historical inn to a contemporary lodging solution, maintaining its connection to the past while serving today’s visitors.

 

Got thoughts or a story to share about this iconic sign? We’re all ears—drop your comments below and join the conversation!

 

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