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In many parts of southern England an ornamental village sign is erected to announce the village name to strangers and locals alike. They are typically placed along the principal road or in a prominent location such as a village green or close by the church. The design often depicts a particularly characteristic feature of the village or a scene from its history, heritage, or culture. They are typically made of wood or metal or a combination of both, the designs are often made by the local community.
Ornamental timber and iron signs were common historically to identify buildings of importance such as inns or town halls. However, the tradition of village signs is believed to have started in Norfolk early in the 20th century when Edward VII suggested that village signs would aid motorists and give a feature of interest on the Sandringham Estate.
The spread of interest beyond Norfolk can be attributed to Prince Albert, Duke of York who gave a speech to the Royal Academy in 1920 promoting the wider use of village signs. Although they do appear in villages and towns all over the country they are more prominent in East Anglia than elsewhere in the country.