Building record 5003/1/5 - The Gatehouse, Delapre Lodge, Delapre Abbey

The Gatehouse is an historic gate lodge of probable 18th century date with later additions, situated at the western entrance to the grounds of Delapré Abbey. It is not a Listed Building but forms part of the curtilage listing of the Delapré Abbey range of Grade II* and Grade II Listed Buildings. The Gatehouse has been identified as a non-designated heritage asset with group value that makes a positive contribution to the Delapré Abbey Conservation Area.

{1} Border Archaeology undertook a Level 2 Building Recording of the Gatehouse (Delapre Lodge). It is a non-designated heritage asset that forms part of the curtilage listing of Delpare Abbey. The report results found that the building represents a good example of an 18th-century park lodge which, in terms of the external historic form and fabric, survives virtually intact, apart from the addition of a modern extension on the north elevation built in 1980 of ashlar masonry.

The building retains largely intact Dutch gables and canted bay windows with a notable decorated porch with moulded round arched doorway flanked by squared pilasters with foliate capitals supporting a parapet with crenels on the south elevation. It was noted, however, that many of the historic decorative elements, including string courses, crenels, roundels and finials, are heavily worn with much finely detailed stone carving eroded and defaced. Significant pitting of the masonry was also noted around the front door and elsewhere. By contrast with the exterior, the internal rooms, while preserving the original ground plan and some doors and window openings, retain few original fixture and fittings, with, in particular, the removal of original fireplace surrounds. Additionally, considerable water damage was noted due to deterioration of the roof covering.

<1> Stephen Priestley, 2025, Archaeological Standing Building Recording, The Gatehouse (Delapré Lodge) Delapré Abbey London Road Northampton, July 2025 (Report). SNN117140.

Record last edited

Jul 20 2026 1:54PM