Building record 1160/0/302 - Shakespear House, 20 Shakespeare Road, 74 & 76 Cowper Street

Historically known as Cowper Factory (Henry Sharman & Son). A large boot and shoe factory with ranges along both Shakespeare Road and Cowper Street. Originally two distinct premises, the Cowper Street ranges were built before 1883. No 74 has two storeys and three narrow bays, while 76 has three storeys and two bays. The Shakespeare Road factory was built in c1890 comprising three storeys over a basement. The factory was extended by five bays before 1899. The facade has a Lennards Ltd sign. Now converted to residential use.

{1} Historically known as Cowper Factory (Henry Sharman & Son). A large boot and shoe factory with ranges along both Shakespeare Road and Cowper Street. Originally two distinct premises, Henry Sharman occupying the Cowper Factory on Shakespeare Road, while the firm of Lloyd & Sabbage, also shoe manufacturers, traded from Cowper Street. Sharman may have acquired to Cowper Street premises between 1890 and 1896.

{2} A large, brick built boot and shoe factory of the 1890s. There are ranges on both Shakespeare Road and Cowper Street which fit into three phases of building. First shown on Ordnance Survey map of 1899. This factory was built during 1886 for Henry Sharman. The facade has a Lennards Ltd sign.

<1> ENGLISH HERITAGE, 2000, Northamptonshire Boot and Shoe Survey, Site 84 (Catalogue). SNN105075.

<2> Morrison K.A.; Bond A., 2004, Built To Last? The Buildings of The Northamptonshire Boot and Shoe Industry (Book). SNN104903.

<3> Undated, 16-20 Shakespeare Road and 74-76 Cowper Street, Northampton, BF103609 (Archive). SNN113743.

<4> Northampton Borough Council, 2011, Northampton's Boot and Shoe Quarter: Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, p. 34 (Report). SNN112202.

Record last edited

Feb 5 2025 7:32PM