Building record 3884/0/24 - No. 22 High Street

{1} Building shown on maps of 1885 and 1900 as public house, had become a post office by 1926 and remains so today. The building however retains a distinctive 'inn' style.Film 20 photo 1.
This public house possibly the 'Axe and Cleaver', 'Cross Keys', or 'Rule and Compass'.

{2} A series of circles were seen scratched into a beam facing one of the front windows. While it is possible the beam is contemporary with the building it is probable that it has been inserted from elsewhere. Five circles have been used in the construction of a daisy wheel design. The centre of each circle has an indentation caused by a pointed instrument, suggesting the marks are caused by a compass or dividers. The daisy wheel is common in Britain on buildings and furniture. It possibly represents perfection (a line having no beginning or end). It may be an indentation mark from the builder or mason, or a folk law symbol for good fortune. The letters M and W were seen either side of the daisy wheel - these could have religious or political symoblism, or could mean nothing at all.

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

<2> Looker J., 2005, Medieval Graffiti at 22 High Street, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, (checked) (Report). SNN105364.

<3> Walker C., 2012, Archaeological Desk-Based Heritage Assessment of Land at High Street, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire December 2012, (unchecked) (Report). SNN109268.

Record last edited

Jan 20 2015 4:44PM