Monument record 1160/53/1 - Former boot and shoe factory, 23 Regent Street

Red brick and slate building constructed as a boot and shoe factory in the mid 19th century. Later produced leather until the 1970s, subsequently used as a factory producing signage, canopies, blinds and awnings. A fire in the late 20th century caused significant damage to the interior of the structures, resulting in the site being abandoned and lying derelict until 2013, when parts of the complex were converted to residential use.

{1}Boot & shoe factory built circa 1890; 3 storey brick building with slate roof; still in use in 1967; located in Regent Street;

{2} The site is first mentioned in trade directories in 1849 as belonging to Henry Harday, who occupied it until at least 1893. Between 1914 and 1952 the complex was used as a curriers. From 1954 until at least 1973 the factory was occupied by a firm of leather dressers.

Building recording was carried out ahead of renovation and conversion of the property for housing.
Originally constructed as a boot and shoe factory in the mid 19th century, it later produced leather until the 1970s. The property was later used as a factory producing signage, canopies, blinds and awnings. A fire in the late 20th century caused significant damage to the interior of the structures, resulting in the site being abandoned and lying derelict until 2013, when plans to convert the buildings to residentiral use were approved.
Despite the damage caused by the fire, some remnants of former machinery such as a drive shaft and a service lift remained in situ.
The complex is made up of an early phase (that to the back of the site) followed by a second block to the north and an annex to the west. A link between the two blocks came later, as did the modern extension to the east.
Detailed building description and photos.

<1> Starmer G.H., 1967, CBA Record Cards: Industrial Archaeology in Northamptonshire, (checked) (Recording Form (Not SMR)). SNN565.

<2> Bassir A.; Upson-Smith T., 2013, Archaeological Building Recording at 23 Regent Street, Northampton June 2013, (checked) (Report). SNN109109.

<3> Historic England, Undated, 17 and 23 Regent Street (formerly H Harday & Co), Northampton, BF103919 (Archive). SNN115595.

Record last edited

Nov 1 2023 1:06PM