‘Take Courage’ Ghost Sign

In the Southwark area of London, just outside of Borough Market, is one of the most photographed ghost signs in the city. On the wall of an 1807 building, there are just two words: “TAKE COURAGE.”

While this may sound like an uplifting cry of encouragement, it’s actually just an ad. A brewery called Courage was encouraging consumers to try its beer.

Ghost signs, in many cases, are hand-painted advertisements on the sides of brick buildings. The majority of ghost signs still visible were painted during the period between 1890 and 1960.

This particular building was the former site of Anchor Brewery’s entrance in the 17th century. It was later taken over by Barclay, Perkins & Company, which in turn was taken over by Courage Brewery in 1955, around which the painting on the brick wall seems to date back to.

The Courage and Co. Brewery has had several owners over the years, and it still exists today. In 2009, the brewery attempted to revive the slogan only to have it banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for its suggestion that drinking beer boosts confidence.