Pencil Cottage is one of the oldest properties in the village and has been a commercial property since the reign of George III. An Old photograph (on display in the Shop) shows the cottage in 1860 when it was called The Shanklin Bazaar. Many people ask us why it is now called Pencil Cottage. The name changed over 100 years ago, a likely reason for this is that it became the nickname given to it by visiting artists and writers.
A number of well-known poets stayed in the village - Keats and Longfellow among them - and it is almost certain that they purchased their supplies from the shop. The shop continues to sell pencils today but now also offers a range of gifts sourced from the 5 continents, including island made goods. We spend a lot of time trying to find items that are a little bit different from traditional gift shops - take a look - you may be surprised what you find.
When you visit the shop make sure you check out our ever changing antiques and collectables section for something truly different.
A number of well-known poets stayed in the village - Keats and Longfellow among them - and it is almost certain that they purchased their supplies from the shop. The shop continues to sell pencils today but now also offers a range of gifts sourced from the 5 continents, including island made goods. We spend a lot of time trying to find items that are a little bit different from traditional gift shops - take a look - you may be surprised what you find.
When you visit the shop make sure you check out our ever changing antiques and collectables section for something truly different.
Services
Many of our regular visitors are familiar with the school established by us in The Gambia, if you are not then we encourage you to check out the phone box and details at the back of the menu.
This year we have added the following items to our existing fundraising items.
All money goes to our project.
Range of Gifts - Jewellery, bags, handbags, basketware and keyrings and other gifts sourced by us from Gambian craft markets available in the main gift shop and in More Than Words, across the road.
This year we have added the following items to our existing fundraising items.
All money goes to our project.
Range of Gifts - Jewellery, bags, handbags, basketware and keyrings and other gifts sourced by us from Gambian craft markets available in the main gift shop and in More Than Words, across the road.
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