Monument record 1160/0/235 - Medieval building, Scarletwell Street

In the early 18th century, the remains of a possible medieval building were interpreted as the remains of an early Guildhall at the west end of Scarletwell Street. This attribution is unlikely but does suggest the presence of a significant building in this location during the medieval period.

{1} Henry Lee, in an early 18th century manuscript history of the town, relates that "the old Town Hall was in a little close adjoining to the last house on the right hand in ye lane going from ye Mayorhold to Scarlet well". Williams discusses the veracity of Lee's claim, pointing out other inconsistencies in his history of the town and suggesting that he may have confused it with another large hall, perhaps with craft guild associations.

{2} 'The old Town Hall was in a little Close adjoining to ye last house on ye right hand in ye lane goeing from ye Majorhold to Scarlet well …there is a marke of Stonework circuler upon the west end of ye little house it adjoyned to ye old Hall.' Lee's theory was accepted by Cox and Cam, but with no other evidence this attribution seems doubtful.

<1> Williams, J, 1983, Northampton's Medieval Guildhalls, p. 5-9 (Report). SNN1316.

<2> Steve Holder, Forthcoming, Appendix 5: Property Ownership: Methodology, permissions and Street Index (Appendix). SNN116858.

<3> Page W. (ed), 1930, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire- The Borough of Northampton, p. 36 (Series). SNN100370.

Record last edited

Jul 15 2025 5:28PM