SNN114721 - 37 West Street, Oundle, Northamptonshire: Historic Building Recording: Level 3

The significance of No. 37 Oundle Street is invested primarily in the surviving historical fabric. The current investigation has allowed the listing description to be substantially refined and the primary phase bears hallmarks of a later 16th century rear wing of a street front range that has been largely rebuilt. A second phase saw the addition of an early 17th century range complete with large inglenook fireplace and cellar. The original character of the street front range cannot be determined as it was configured with a new façade and roof structure. This formed part of an 18th century campaign of work with new windows, doors and cupboards and seemingly the establishment of a new staircase in Range 2. Nineteenth century refurbishment saw piecemeal additions such a four-panel doors and a fireplace, while a new shop front was added in the 1890s. The rear ranges (4-7) exist in a variety of states of survival and significance. Range 4 is of no interest although utilises a pre-existing wall and replaces a pitch-roofed structure, while the fabric and form of Range 5-7 provides relatively minimal dating evidence. They all pre-date the 19th century and Ranges 5 and 6 formerly held upper floors, though the former has been reduced to a small workshop and the latter has been lost apart from the outer walls. A small possible indicator is the form of the outer walls of Range 6 which may suggest contemporaneity with Ranges 2 or 3. The nature and function of the original building is not entirely clear and Range 2 with the combination of small windows yet good decorative detailing does not lend itself to an entirely domestic arrangement. It is likely that the complex comprised a semi-urban arrangement with domestic or commercial premises at the front and light-industrial processes being carried out to the rear.