Building record 1842/16/1 - Nos.47, 49 & 51 High Street, Thrapston

Formerly The george Inn, now corn exchange/commercial premises, 2 shops and flat. Mid C18, datestone 1850 refers to part conversion to Corn Exchange by Mr Roe

{1} The George, High Street. Built in the 18th century, but closed after the opening of the Peterborough to Northampton Railway line. A new Corn Exchange was built in 1848 by Mr Freeman Roe of the Strand, London but it has never been occupied by the farmers who prefer transacting their business in the street. Also the County Court was held once a month in the building formerly known as the George Hotel. Court restricted to the recovery of debts for under £20. By 1924 the building was licensed for stage plays and public entertainment. The building is still standing and has carved stone corn sheaths on the side. The structure is now in use as an estate agent and chartered surveyors. It is a listed building. Film ? Photo 27, Film 1, photo 1.

{2} Inn, now corn exchange/commercial premises, 2 shops and flat. Mid C18, datestone 1850 refers to part conversion to Corn Exchange by Mr Roe. Squared coursed limestone with C20 plain tile and concrete tile roofs. Originally probably inn with courtyard, now Corn Exchange Hall and offices and 2 attached shops. 2 storeys with attic. Together comprising a 7-window range, at first floor, of sash windows under stone lintels with keyblocks. 4-window range to right has unhorned sashes with glazing bars an 3 windows to left are plain C19 sashes. Central entrance has flanking Doric pilasters with plain entablature and dentilled cornice over. Entrance to Corn Exchange to left has C19 broken pediment over, with moulded brackets, and central corn sheaf motif. Flanking windows are plain C19 sashes under stone lintels with keyblocks. C19 five-light shop front with recessed 4-panel door to far right has C20 shop window to left. Ashlar gable parapets and kneelers and 2 flat-topped roof dormers to righ range. Differing roof pitches between right and left ranges, that to left probably raised when converted to Corn Exchange. Central brick and stone stack to right range and brick stacks to ends of left range. Central entrance has partially legible inscription and date 1850 over. Relief corn sheaf and wooden plough over entrance. Evidence of former gauged stone head to carriage arch to left of central entrance. Rear elevation has short C18 wing and 2 C19 ranges including the hall of the Corn E change. Interior: central entrance gives access to small light well, probably remains of central courtyard area. Corn Exchange is large C19 hall, roof structure modified C20. Originally the George Inn.

{3} Inn, became later a corn exchange, offices and 2 attached shops. Number 47, the corn exchange, was probably converted in 1850 by Mr Roe. A datestone survives. Exchange includes large 19th century hall. Former inn became corn exchange, 2 shops and flat. In one, a 19th century five-light shop front survives. The other has a 20th century shop front.

{4} Undated photo;

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

<2> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 16/164 (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<3> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), G08 p.78 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN41470.

<4> Photographs of buildings in Thrapston (Photographs). SNN113630.

Record last edited

Mar 25 2025 10:57AM