Monument record 7196/6 - Walker and Gunn

A single storeyed shoe factory (now demolished) was built in the early 20th century over and to the north of the former Higham Ferrers Gas Works. The Ordnance Survey map first shows the Gas Works in the 1880s. As first built the shoe factory appears to have enfolded an earlier house, forming part of the Gas Works, but this was subsequently cleared to make way for an extension.

{1} Walker and Gunn Boot manufacturing company, North End
Established at the north end of the town in 1918.Building shown on maps as Boot and Shoe Factory - now utilised by Chamberlain Plastics Limited. Building has now been rendered over, some of the structure to the rear may have changed, but it is difficult to assess how much of the interior has been re-modelled. Film 3, photo 18-20.

[2} A single storeyed shoe factory was built in the early 20th century over and to the north of the former Higham Ferrers Gas Works. The Ordnance Survey map first shows the Gas Works in the 1880s. As first built the shoe factory appears to have enfolded an earlier house, forming part of the Gas Works, but this was subsequently cleared to make way for an extension. Of the original factory two brick built north-lit ranges and a number of minor buildings to their south survive. The north-lit ranges are gabled east-west with a three bay rendered front to North End.

{3} Factory demolished by 2002.

Historic England, Undated, Chamberlain Plastics Ltd (formerly Walker & Gunn Ltd), North End/Station Road, Higham Ferrers, BF103909 (Archive). SNN116217.

<1> Ballinger J., 1999, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Industrial Period, (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN4.

<2> ENGLISH HERITAGE, 2000, Northamptonshire Boot and Shoe Survey, Higham Ferrers Site 18 (Catalogue). SNN105075.

<3> 2018-2019, RCHME/EH/HE Aerial Photographers comment, Bedford Borough NMP project, Amanda Adams 25-JAN-2019 Bedford Borough NMP (Note). SNN111578.

Record last edited

Mar 13 2024 10:00AM