Monument record 1681/1/4 - "The Shops"

The site of the shops in particular is not currently built up but is vulnerable as it lies within the highway boundary and had at least in part been converted to a small public garden. There are specific questions regarding the origins, character, development and demise of the shops within the market place which may be answerable archaeologically. Such investigation may also yield evidence as to the activities being carried out in the shops.

None of the earlier rentals or surveys mention shops but in 1596 eight shops were recorded. In 1597-8 there was also another small dwelling which comprised just one room with a chamber above and it is possible that this may have been another converted shop. By 1607 there is reference to only one surviving shop, specifically described as lying on the market place, its measurements being 22 ft by 12ft. The only other shop mentioned had by this time been converted to a house and again the measurements are given: it was of one bay, being 12ft long and 12 ft wide and held for a rent of 12d.
There were still one or two shops in existence by the early 18th century. However, although there was a row of buildings within the market place on the map, the survey makes no reference to any shops at that time but does identify one of the buildings as a school. Again this may represent genuine loss, even though in 1793 there is reference to a butchers shop for by this time the presence of a shop or two is not uncommon in villages. (1)

The row of buildings were still present on the market place in 1805 but had gone by the 1880s. Pipe trench observation in market place immediately to the south of the row of shops suggests that the row was not more extensive at an earlier date. (1)

<1> Foard G, 1999, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Brigstock (Medieval + Post Medieval), (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN100441.

<2> 1596, Survey of Brigstock, (unchecked) (Document). SNN100443.

<3> 1607, Survey of Brigstock, (unchecked) (Document). SNN100444.

Record last edited

Sep 23 2011 10:54AM