Geotype Submission

The Geotype project charts the rich history of lettering and type forms that have established the identity of cities and towns around the world. Explore the map

How does this letter-form communicate its location?

This photo was taken in the Priory Cemetary at the end of Holywood High Street. There has been a monastery on this site since the 7th century, although the current ruins are from the 12th century. I’m fascinated by this lettering that dates to 1796. That’s almost older than the USA! Did the tools available to tradesmen dictate how the lettering would turn out? How did they work out the angle and shapes of the Script font versus the main font? In terms of the stone material, it looks like local stone that's been polished down. It’s a beautiful piece of artistry that remains in place centuries later. It tells one family's story from long ago.

Location

High Street, Holywood BT18 9AB, UK