Building record 6300/1/1 - Remains of Irthlingborough Iron Works, Leyland Trading Estate

The remains of the Irthlingborough Iron Works, which was otherwise demolished in advance of the development of Leyland trading Estate.

{1} The buildings recorded were primarily used for the management of vehicles and/or plant, relating to the import and export of iron working products via the Midland Main Line Railway. At least one of the buildings was repurposed as a foundry. The purpose of Building C is less clear, containing less evidence as to its intended function. Few internal features survive to aid the buildings' interpretation, such as original fixtures, fittings and original plant and machinery. The structures exist largely as repurposed shells.

Building A1 - Historic mapping suggests that the Building A1 was not in existence at the time of the 1884-5 OS survey for the 25 Inch map published 1888, but had been erected by the time of the 1889 revision for a new edition of the map published in 1900. It is presumed that its original purpose was as a railways goods shed or warehouse, with storage space on each side of the line. Historic mapping depicts two lines running parallel to the building on each side, from which goods could potentially be loaded, unloaded and stored within the structure.

Building A2 - The construction date for Building A2 is unknown as it is not depicted on available mapping, though presumed to be early 20th century in date. The use of identical bricks and bonds and similar roof trusses as Building A2 is evidence of a broadly similar 1920s date. In this case its original use as part of the foundry is most likely.

Building B - Historic mapping depicts a structure on the site of Building B from at least 1890. It is thought that the current structure is a 1920s replacement of an earlier railway shed, based on the construction methods and datestone. The extant railway lines terminate within the building. The lack of space surrounding the two railway lines suggest it would not be suitable for warehousing.

Building C -The purpose of Building C less clear. Its similar design to Building B suggests a similar purpose. Its similar design to Building B suggests a similar purpose. However, no rails are extant within the building and historic mapping does not depict railway lines in this location. It appears as though lines were removed to make way for its construction. The building is thought to have been used as a maintenance shop in the 1960s, though it is unclear if this was its original use. It may have originally been constructed a goods warehouse, many of which did not contain an internal railway line. Historic mapping depicts two lines running parallel to the building on each side, from which goods could potentially be loaded, unloaded and stored within the structure.

<1> Matt Wells, 2024, Leyland Trading Estate, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire Historic Building Recording (Report). SNN116626.

<2> Ordnance Survey Map (Scale/date), 1885 - 1900 (Map). SNN112944.

Record last edited

Oct 29 2024 12:20PM