New shop to open at the red devil’s home on Stonegate

The famous Stonegate Devil is about to see new residents move into his shop.

The much-photographed imp perches on the corner of 33 Stonegate, which will soon be home to a fashion and homeware shop.

This historic building has been empty since the closure of Old Guys Rule in June 2016.

Now it is being renovated ready for the arrival of an Abraham Moon shop, selling goods straight from t’mill.

Fashion and fabrics

Founded by Abraham Moon in Guiseley in 1837, the mill is still working today, turning raw wool into beautiful fabrics.

In turn these are made into tweed menswear and ladieswear.

These will be on sale at its new Stonegate shop alongside shirts, knitwear and other fashion items.

It will also stock a range of homeware from its Bronte By Moon division. This includes signature rugs and throws, lampshades, cushions and gifts.

This will be the company’s second lifestyle shop. The first is found at The Courtyard near Settle.

Historic building

There will be plenty of space as the shop extends across 1,700sq ft over three floors.

Built as a townhouse in the early 1600s, its history is very visible, from the roof beams to the leaded windows. It is Grade II* listed.

The red devil isn’t there to scare you off. Rather he is the ‘printer’s devil’.

Squatting at the corner of Stonegate and Coffee Yard, he has been there since the 1880s.

Printing was often known as ‘the black art’ on account of the inks. And as a result an apprentice in the industry was often known as a printer’s devil.

Stonegate was home to more than one book-based business. Next door, what is now the Oliver Bonas shop began life as The Sign Of The Bible bookshop, hence the wooden bible that hangs above the doorway.