Listed Building: No.187 Watling Street West (Sponne House) (1190098)

Bank and shops, formerly inn. Mid C18, altered C20, with earlier origins. Red brick in Flemish bond, slate roof, brick ridge stack. L-plan. 2 storeys and attic; 5-window range. Central carriage arch with depressed-arched- ead and imposts. C20 canted bay window to right, C20 door to left with panelled reveals, reeded pilasters and cornice/hood. 12-pane sash window to far left with moulded stone sill, gauged brick lintel and keyblock. Similar windows to first floor except for central Venetian window with open pediment. Moulded stone eaves. Wing to rear right with many C20 alterations. Optician's shop in this wing has large open fireplace with cambered ogee-stop-chamfered bressumer inscribed TO 1707 GS with a central carving of a talbot dog. Until 1960 the Talbot Hotel. Before 1643 known as the Tabard, at least as early as 1440, when purchased by Archdeacon Sponne (q.v. Church of St. Lawrence) as part of the endowments of his charity. Remained in the ownership of Sponne charity until 1895. (A Towcester Trail (leaflet) 1983; Guide to Towcester Parish Church 1984).

Record last edited

Nov 29 2022 10:54AM