SNN105593 - Historic Building Recording: 33-37 Talbot Road, Northampton

In May 2006 Archaeological Services and Consultancy Ltd (ASC) carried out historic building recording of 33-37 Talbot Road, Northampton in response to proposals for the demolition of buildings and the redevelopment of the site. The complex consists of a red brick, 3-storey range on Talbot Road, a further range of similar construction running southwards at the western end of the north range and a single storey block known as ‘The Northern Lights’ within the angle of the two ranges. A further building immediately east of the present site, which was formerly part of this shoe factory complex, is not included in this survey. The complex was constructed in four main phases: Phase 1 comprises the western end of the North Range and the northern end of the West Range and was constructed between 1883 and 1890. The Goad Insurance plans show that the West Range was extended between 1905 and 1912 when the first five bays of the Northern Lights were also constructed. The third phase, which included the eastern extension of the North Range and the northernmost bays of the Northern Lights was completed between 1912 and 1926. The final phase of construction was the addition of the buildings to the east of the present study site between 1926 and 1937. The buildings saw a fair amount of internal alterations in the latter half of the 20th century, after the factory changed ownership. These are of little architectural merit and have impacted only marginally on the original layout. There is, however, little surviving evidence for the processes that were carried out within the complex during its lifetime as a shoe factory.