SNN104862 - Historic Building Recording: Former Shoe Factory, 12 Duke Street, Northampton

In June 2004 a programme of historic building recording was undertaken at a former shoe factory at 12 Duke Street, Northampton, prior to conversion of the building to apartments. The buildings surveyed originally formed part of a factory complex belonging to Church & Co, one of the main boot and shoe manufacturers in the town. The larger building, an L-shaped three-storey structure under a slate roof, was constructed in 1874 by Church & Co. as their first purpose built factory. Adjoining this was smaller three-storey building. Constructed shortly after by Isaac Powell, boot and shoe makers. Along with other adjoining buildings, this factory was absorbed by Church's by the end of the 19th century. Church's continued to expand their premises in Duke Street until 1956/57, when production moved to larger premises in the St James' district. The survey showed that, although parts of the 1847 factory had been considerably altered from their original appearance, much of the form and fabric of the original building remained.