Unveiling the hidden stories of homes and shops, Here Before Us has sparked a global interest with its unique passion project. Imagine walking down a street and suddenly realizing that the buildings around you have a rich history, a past that's waiting to be discovered. That's exactly what happened to Simon Warren, a father-of-two, who embarked on a journey that would captivate people worldwide.
It all began with a simple walk down Folkestone's Old High Street. Simon's curiosity, fueled by his career as a photographer, led him to wonder about the lives that once inhabited these spaces. Little did he know, this curiosity would evolve into a thriving business during the pandemic, offering a fresh perspective on the world around us.
Here Before Us specializes in uncovering the untold stories of homes and shops. The team, now consisting of Simon, Folkestone historian Debby Jones, and illustrator Darren Scotland, creates beautiful blue vinyl stickers to display the hidden history of these places. What started as a solo endeavor has now created over 600 stickers across the country, with some even reaching as far as California.
But here's where it gets controversial... Instead of traditional metal plaques, Here Before Us opts for window stickers. While this modern approach makes installation easier and eliminates the need for planning permission, it has sparked debates among historians and preservationists. Some argue that the traditional method adds a certain charm and authenticity to historical sites, while others appreciate the accessibility and creativity of the stickers.
The research process is extensive, often taking hours to uncover the past residents and their stories. Simon describes it as a fascinating journey through archives, books, and online records. He shares two projects in Folkestone that left him in awe. One was the discovery of Lewis Anstruther Hope, Queen Victoria's Aide-de-Camp, who once called Folkestone home. Another intriguing find was Edward Grylls, Bear Grylls' grandfather, who lived in the town and worked for Winston Churchill in a specialized unit during World War II.
And this is the part most people miss... Not all homeowners choose to display the stickers. One homeowner, after learning about Lewis Anstruther Hope's connection to their house, decided to keep the story hidden, content with the knowledge alone. It's a reminder that history is not just about display, but also about personal connections and the power of memory.
The project has also explored buildings in Tenterden, where an unusual discovery was made about a 14-year-old member of the "walnut gang" sentenced to hard labor for stealing walnuts in the 1870s. This nutty heist is now immortalized in one of the 30 stickers in Tenterden, commissioned by the council after a resident's request.
What truly makes Here Before Us special is the reaction of homeowners. Simon shares that the most rewarding part is seeing people's awe and surprise when they learn about the history hidden within their homes. It's a powerful reminder of the layers of stories that make up our communities.
In recent years, the project has focused on addressing the balance and championing women throughout history. Simon believes it's important to highlight the contributions of women, often overlooked in traditional historical narratives.
Here Before Us offers its blue window vinyl stickers for £95, with a more extensive "deep dive" package starting from £755, including in-depth research and illustrations of the property. So, if you're curious about the history of your home or want to explore the past of a particular building, Here Before Us is here to uncover those stories.
What do you think about this unique project? Do you find it intriguing, or do you prefer traditional methods of preserving history? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
