ENN108901 - The Horseshoe Inn, Irthlingborough, 2017 (Building recording)

The Horseshoe Inn evolved from a 17th / 18th century house and shop. Documentary research suggests that it was first set up as as a beer house in the early 1850s, a social establishment for the consumption of ales. A licence was obtained to sell wines spirits in 1865, its status then changed to Public House. The Horseshoe Inn was a tied-house of the brewery Smith and Co., Oundle, Northamptonshire for at least 87 years (c. 1868 - 1955). Between 1962 and the late 20th century the public house passed through the hands of three of the UK's major beer producers and suppliers, as a part of a tied-estate. Archaeological observations made during the 'stripping out' phase of the conversion project enabled broad phases of the building's development to be identified. The original structure comprises approximately half of the existing building. Built in the local vernacular coursed limestone rubble, it consisted of two-stories, attic rooms and a cellar, with a buttressed chimney at one end. At some juncture in the early to mid 19th century the premises was given an extensive facelift, extended to twice its original size and modified to provide a Public Bar, Lounge Bar and additional accommodation. Most notably, the front elevation of the building, old and new, was given a brick facade.