Past senses: English Heritage signs point out historic sites’ sounds and smells

A sign at Mount Grace Priory near Northallerton, North Yorkshire. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Fifty years ago, heritage sites in England were covered in signs saying don’t do this, don’t do that, beware coming closer, danger here, keep your children under control and the dreaded we will prosecute you.

Those doom-laden Ministry of Works signs are making a comeback. Or a sort of comeback, as English Heritage announces plans for new signs that will have a more mindful spin.