Building record 3884/0/208 - Castle Works, Castle Lane

Constructed in 1892 as 'Dulley's Swimming Baths' initially for use by employees of Dulley's Brewery, but later for public use. The baths occupy an area next to Swanspool Brook which had been traditionally been used for swimming and swan farming. The baths were sold to George Cox in 1918, who converted the one-storey baths to a two-storey shoe factory. It was also extended westwards by four bays. Now houses Wellingborough Museum

{1} Swimming pool: Dulley brewery established a public swimming baths in the town in 1892. Later the building became Castle Works Boot and Shoe, Castle Lane: 'Geo J Cox Ltd Castle Works' sign on building which was previously 'Dulley's Swimming Baths'. The building is currently extant, but is standing derelict. Stream runs alongside the works.

{2} Dulley's Swimming Baths were built in 1892 by the Dulley family for their employees although it was subsequently opened to the public. They were sold to a shoe manufacturer, George J. Cox in 1918. The Baths originally consisted of a tall single storey and eight pier-and-panel bays, corresponding to the western 2-thirds of the present range. A large stack on the west gable and another on the south wall may belong to the later shoe factory conversion though it is possible that one or both are original features associated either with a boiler or with conventional fireplaces. Cox converted it from a single-storey swimming baths to a 2-storey shoe factory. It was extended eastwards by 4 bays and an upper storey inserted. The 4-bay extension respected the style of the original.

{5} Five photos dated 1996;

<1> Ballinger J., 1999, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Wellingborough (Industrial), (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN100290.

<2> ENGLISH HERITAGE, 2000, Northamptonshire Boot and Shoe Survey, Site 40 (Catalogue). SNN105075.

<3> Northamptonshire Industrial Archaeology Group, 1996-2013, Northamptonshire Industrial Archaeology Group Newsletter, Issue 97 p.5 (unchecked) (Newsletter). SNN55360.

<4> Historic England, Undated, Castle Works (formerly Dulley's Swimming Baths), Castle Lane, Wellingborough, BF103763 (Archive). SNN113951.

<5> Photographs of buildings in Wellingborough (Photographs). SNN115387.

Record last edited

Sep 13 2023 12:03PM