Monument record 2416/19/1 - Oundle Union Workhouse

Workhouse built in 1836-7 to designs by Sir George Gilbert Scott. The cruciform-plan building has since been demolished but the infirmary building, built in 1900 to designs by Gotch and Saunders, survives as Fletcher House (HER no 2416/19/3). The 19th century building had a three storey central range, with a single storey front range rising to two storeys at the centre. The stone building was demolished in the 1970s. Formerly a listed building but demolished in 1974.

{1} Built as a workhouse. 1836. Perhaps by G G Scott (Pevsner). Late classical, with red brick additions of 1902. 2 long parallel ranges joined by a central passage. Lower front range consists of end pavilions and centre of 2 storeys linked by sections of 1 storey. Centre hipped forward has 2 windows on ground floor with rusticated heads joined by band, hung sashes with glazing bars, and door. 3 windows on 1st floor. Side ranges of 1 storey and 6 windows, bays divided by plain pilasters. End pavilions are houses with 1 window to each storey, end pilasters, band between storeys. Plinth. Rear range of 3 storeys with central octagonal tower of 4 storeys. Ends of range and extension to rear and alterations are in red brick, 1902. Tower has 1 window to each face except for centre which has clock in roundel flanked by 2 windows. Wood louvred bell turret. Both wings have 2 windows in ends, which project slightly, then 5 windows. The ranges are joined by a 2 storey linking section, which has been somewhat altered. The Main Building and Hospital Chapel form a group.

{3} The former workhouse building became a hospital, possibly in the C20th. It has been demolished since 1974.

{11} Five undated photographs.

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 2/121 (checked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), H16 p.8-9 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN41470.

<3> Higginbotham P., 2002, The Workhouse: Banbury & Northamptonshire Extract, (unchecked) (Extract). SNN102266.

<4> Pevsner N.; Cherry B., 1973, The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Series). SNN1320.

<5> Ballinger J., 1999, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Oundle (Industrial), (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN100257.

<6> Ballinger J., 1999, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Oundle (Industrial), (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN100257.

<7> Richardson H. (Editor), 1998, English Hospitals 1660-1948: A Survey of Their Architecture and Design, (unchecked) (Book). SNN62723.

<8> Unknown, 1974?, Oundle Workhouse, Glapthorne Road (Notes). SNN111318.

<9> Morrison K., 1999, The Workhouse: A Study Of Poor-Law Buildings In England, p. 62, 72, 130, 208 (Book). SNN100282.

<10> Historic England, Undated, Glapthorn Road Hospital Chapel, Oundle, BF083285 (Archive). SNN114515.

<11> Photographs of buildings in Oundle (Photographs). SNN114658.

Record last edited

Mar 29 2023 4:14PM