STILL in Sandes Avenue, on the eastern side of the river, at the end of the Riverside development, is a large iron gate. It bears representations of sheeps' heads and teazles, reminders of how Kendal's prosperity once depended on the woollen industry.

Yard 2, Stricklandgate was named Smokehouse Yard when it was restored in 2007. It leads behind the building with a projecting oriel window which faces Finkle Street.

On Todd's map of 1787 it is shown as the Crown Inn, one of the town's leading coaching inns. The building had a series of users over the years and in 1869 became shops with offices above, behind which was a cottage which is still there.

In its courtyard is a device made of light-coloured limestone, which was once thought to represent the Price of Wales' Feathers, but close scrutiny suggests it is probably a crown, which would accord with the Crown Inn.

Why is there a sad, dry, drinking fountain in Aynam Road?

Before the Second World War, if you were an ordinary working person and became thirsty when in town, you would not have gone to Farrer's for tea or coffee or 1657 for chocolate to drink. You would not have been able to afford it.

Drinking fountains were put up in almost every town or village in streets, parks or other public places.

There was once one in Crook Lane, near the Fish Market at the head of Finkle Street. Provided by public subscription in 1858, for two years it provided a constant flow of water with a ladle or a metal cup for drinking.

Such fountains survived well into the 20th century and, before the present health fetishes, no-one worried about health hazards.

When the building to which it was attached was demolished in 1860 the fountain was moved to its present position in Aynam Road, beside the footbridge to Abbot Hall Park, and lost its water supply.

If you can spot them behind cars parked alongside the wall of Tanner's Yard in the old Booth's car park, there are some little alcoves which don't seem to serve any useful purpose. They are bee boles and once held skeps, or beehives.

Sugar was once expensive and many working families depended on honey for sweetening food and drink. It was free when sugar could cost as much as a shilling a pound and a labourer earned only a mere pittance.

Today, we buy honey in jars at a fraction of our weekly income. Once you have seen the bee boles, you can look for others around the town.

Look at the blank wall by the Electricity board's yard in Parkside Road and you will see it marked in the coating. This shows the line of the bridge which once ran over the canal here.