Monument record 1160/338/1 - Marefair

{2}Marefair still at this time called Gold Street running all the way through from All Saints to Black Lion Hill. St Peter's Church is situated on the south side of Marefair and towards the western side of the street.,

{1}Marefair runs from the junction with Horsemarket to the top of Black Lion Hill and immediately before the castle. Both sides of Marefair had street frontages. St Peter's Church formed part of the south side frontage.

{3}It is suggested that Marefair lain along the line of the Roman road between Duston and Irchester. Marefair street frontages possibly established as early as the Saxon period and becomes important with the establishment of Northampton's increased status in the Late Saxon period and immediately Post Conquest period.

{4} 1977 saw the demolition of over half the buildings on Marefair situated between St Peter's Church and Freeschool Street. The majority of the buildings were inspected. It was apparent that this site had been redeveloped during the Victorian period and that the only buildings predating this period were nos 25, 31, 35-37a, 39 Marefair and Hasilrigg. Of these nos 25 and 35-37a had been considerably altered and contained little of architectural interest. No 39 was of more interest containing a blocked up inglenook fireplace and 18th century double hung sash windows.

{5} Six photos of buildings, noted as being a clock shop, Doris's and Pages, Garda Hotel and W.H. Smiths, and Ormes, dated 23rd February 1956, 1st March 1956, and 22nd April 1956;

<1> Speed J., 1610, Map of Northamptonshire, (checked) (Map). SNN559.

<2> Noble; Butlin, 1746, Town Map, (checked) (Map). SNN430.

<3> SHAW M., 1985, Excavations on a Saxon and Medieval Site at Black Lion Hill, Northampton, p114-15 (Article). SNN2121.

<4> Brown A.E. (Editor), 1978, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1977, p. 191-2 (Journal). SNN2192.

<5> Miss June Swann, 1960s- 70s, Miss June Swann Photographic Archive (Photographs). SNN116665.

Record last edited

Apr 9 2025 2:17PM