Nestled within the bustling high street of Knaresborough lies Natural Choice - The bricks and mortar of this building are etched in history where each corner holds a story, each artefact a chapter, and where the generations of the past merge with the shop's modern-day identity. Join us on the Journey through time to where we are now as Natural Choice.
Historical Documents: Scrolls And Parchments
The earliest document associated with Natural choice is the following dating from 1870, and 1872. Both written on parchment they show the true longevity of the shop and the history it has in the surrounding area. The documents offer a glimpse into the shop's past, and the intricate details preserved are a testament to the shop's legacy.
Along with these pieces of History, we still have the original deeds of the building preserved. There’s an incredible amount of beautifully written legal/old English jargon!
The Early Stages…
The historical documents are truly fascinating, but now let's take a deeper dive into our business history and a glimpse into what made us what we are today. This image is called a printer's block, which on the side of it states “Old Curiosity”. There is also “A. Walker 48” inscribed on the side which relates to the owner at the time and the year 1948.
The owner before the previous “Milton Holgate” was an antique dealer and mentioned that the property was Knareborough's oldest antique shop.
Modern History: The Previous Tenants
Now we swiftly move onto our more modern history and more specifically David and Jane. David joined the West Riding Constabulary, back in 1955, as a cadet, before he later retired as Sergeant, in 1983, at the age of 43.
After they got married not long after he retired, they both went into retail, opening a little shop in Knaresborough. In the shop, they retailed menswear downstairs and ladieswear upstairs. The following three images show how the shop looked inside, however, the beams running down the walls on either side of the fireplace were later exposed.
Seasonal Charms and Interior Evolution
The exterior of Natural Choice is unique and a staple to the Knaresborough highstreet. The listed building once featured in a Harrogate Borough Council leaflet appealing for help and restoration sticks out like a sore thumb.
This is no more prevalent than during the festive season. This image shows the exterior of the shop during Christmas, the bracket in the centre was for the Christmas tree.
In the summer, the shop had a couple of window boxes filled with colourful bedding plants, which sat on the ledge above the shop window. It also had a hanging basket, which looked very pretty and suitable for a shop on the high street.
Who We Are Today
Today, Natural Choice stands amidst a landscape vastly different from its historical roots. As buildings come and go, this one has stood the test of time with an amazing story to carry alongside. Now part of the Healthy Stuff Group it has a renewed purpose which we’re proud to continue the legacy of and strive to take on further journeys.
Stocking a variety of supplements, organic food, and health tests, we have everything you could possibly need, keeping you fit and healthy head to toe all year round! With a wealth of knowledge in the health and wellness industry, we’re perfectly situated to guide you through your journey towards improved health! Find out more about what we do here!
