Address: 1 St Mary’s, York, YO30 7DD
Description
An almost faded paint-on-brick ghost sign reveals only a rectangular white background, once reading ‘Taxicabs Phone Garage’ with an arrow pointing to the garage.
History
Little information is available about this ghost sign, although business directories from the 20th century consistently identify the building as belonging to a demolition contractor named G. Bell.
The remnants of the sign feature a relatively modern font, indicating that it is likely no more than 50 years old.
You can just make out ‘Taxi’, and ‘Phone’ beneath it
Garages and mechanics became increasingly popular throughout the 20th century due to the growing number of cars.
When cars were first developed in the UK in the late 1800s, early motor vehicle manufacturers (often former bicycle makers) faced challenges, with only half of the 200 British car brands surviving by 1913.
By then, Henry Ford’s Manchester factory had made him the leading UK carmaker, producing 7,310 cars that year.
Early British motorcar Source: Flivver
The first motorcar appeared in York in 1897. Purchased by Rowntrees for promotional uses, it featured a large Elect Cocoa packet attached to its rear.
Powered by Venzoline, the car was used for advertising tours across the north of England, with a speed limit of 3 mph.
1897 Source: York Press
World Wars I and II shifted production to military needs, and post-war nationalisation prioritised exports. But towards the end of the 20th century cars continued to become more and more popular.
Today, the UK’s automotive industry continues to evolve with a significant shift towards electric vehicles and sustainable practices, reflecting global trends toward greener transportation solutions.
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