Nestled within the bustling Market Place of Knaresborough, at No. 4, lies Natural Choice - The bricks and mortar of this Grade II listed 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Historical Documents: Scrolls And Parchments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 documents associated with the property, where Natural Choice trades now, date from 1724, although the property was built circa 1690. The oldest deeds are beautifully hand written on parchment, in legal/old English jargon, showing the true longevity of the property, the history of its previous owners and its position in the surrounding area. The documents offer a fascinating 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.
The Early Stages…
The historical documents are truly fascinating, but now let's take a deeper dive into our business history and take a glimpse into what made us who we are today.
The image of the property below, is a wooden printer's block which on the side of it states “Old Curiosity”. The pen and ink drawing was done by Albert Walker (1900-1984), in 1948. Mr Walker, was a Knaresborough based artist, whose illustrative and realistic style, recorded the town’s architecture and scenes.
At the time around the 1970s/early 1980s, the property was trading as an antique shop run by a gentleman named Milton Holgate. Mr Holgate believed the property was Knaresborough’s oldest antique shop!
Modern History: The Previous Tenants
Now we swiftly move onto our more modern history. In 1987, the property was bought by David and Jane Stringer. David, joined the West Riding Constabulary, in 1955, as a cadet and retired as Sergeant, in 1983, at the age of 43. They ran a men’s and ladieswear business from the property with menswear on the ground floor and ladieswear on the first floor.
Seasonal Charms and Interior Evolution
The exterior of Natural Choice is unusual with its black and white chequer frontage and is a staple to Knaresborough market place. A drawing of No. 4, was previously used by Harrogate Borough Council, on the front of a promotional leaflet, when they were able to offer Grant help to restore Grade II listed buildings.
During the festive season, the property looks magical with fairy lights and a lit Christmas tree outside at the front. In summertime, window boxes filled with colourful bedding plants, sat on the ledge above the shop window and a hanging basket added to the pretty appearance of the property.
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!
