'It was the beginning of a day in June; the deep blue sky unsullied by a cloud, and teeming with brilliant light. The streets were, as yet, nearly free from passengers, the houses and shops were closed, and the healthy air of morning fell like breath from angels, on the sleeping town.'- Charles Dickens, The Old Curiosity Shop.

As mentioned by its frequent customer at the time, Charles Dickens, the 16th Century Old Curiosity Shop is a literary landmark.

Just north of the Strand, the building was made from the wood of the old ships and without many improvements made on its structure as it is under a preservation order, it stands as it was back then.

Still a working business, it now functions as a exclusive shoe boutique.