Shops

SHOPS

Before the advent of shops as we know them there were three kinds of Workshop, where goods made on the premises were sold; Blacksmith's Shop, Carpenter's Shop and Cordwainer's Shop (where items of leather were made). Langton had two blacksmiths and the location of their forges can be found at Anvil Cottage in Garfield Lane and Forge Cottage in the High Street. There were also two carpenter's shops, but their premises have been demolished. At one time there were three cordwainers or shoemakers.

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The Ship Inn		Post Office Stores		The King's Arms

There are now four shops within the parish: the Post Office Stores in the centre of the village, which is also a Newsagent's and has an Off-licence; a General Stores at the Public Garage called St. Michael's, on the A351 Main Road in the valley; and another shop within Tom's Field Camping Site. There is also a Craft Shop at Knitson in the far north-east of the parish.

The Village Bakery (established in 1866) has now closed.

The two Public Houses have existed for over 200 years. The King's Arms Inn is at the centre of the village, two doors from the Post Office Stores. It was originally called The Masons' Arms, but the name was changed for patriotic reasons in 1803. The inn-sign therefore displays the Arms of King George III. The Ship Inn stands at the summit of Step Hill at the east of the village and on the B3069 Road to Swanage. The original inn was the low cottage which leans against the present inn. Here the new premises were built after a suicide within the old inn.