SNN102245 - 6-7 The Drapery, Buildings to The Rear and Fronting onto College Street, Northampton: Historic Building Recording, Archaeological Monitoring and Recording

In October and December 2001 HAT carried out an archaeological desk-based study and historic building recording at 6-7 The Drapery (buildings to the rear and fronting onto College Street), Northampton (NGR SP75356046). A major fire is known to have swept through the assessment area in 1675, destroying many structures. Rebuilding was rapid following this catastrophe, with a second phase of reconstruction throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Documentary evidence is relatively complete for this period in the form of both deeds and trade directories. The latter reveal that a public house, known for most of its time as ‘The Boot’, occupied Nop.12 College Street from the early part of the 18th century, and survived well into the 20th century. Much of the fabric of the mid-Victorian incarnation of this public house still survives today. Occupation of No.10 College Street appears more ephemeral. Initially the tenements were occupied by small businesses. Eventually the area was absorbed by the expanding Jeyes Chemists and associated ancillary buildings (by around 1954). The existing fabric of No.10 is of mid 20th century date. Further observation works during the demolition of the structures confirmed that the fabric of No.10 was entirely rebuilt in the post-war period. No.12 was constructed in a number of piecemeal phases of 19th century date, though one short section of exterior wall and a possible internal wall (delineating an area of cellaring) was constructed of ashlar sandstone blocks and may date form the post-fire rebuilding of the town. Two stone-lined wells were also uncovered.