SNN115401 - Historic building recording at the Former Windmill Club, Windmill Road, Rushden, August 2023

MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) was commissioned by Sursham Tompkins, on behalf of their clients Fernbrook Builders, to undertake a programme of archaeological historic building recording to Level 2 at the former Windmill Club site on Windmill Road, Rushden (NGR SP 95059 66830). The archaeological works are being carried out as part of a Condition on consent granted for the proposed development of partial demolition of the factory buildings, refurbishment of the retained building to form three new flats, erection of two townhouses and associated landscaping and car park (NE/22/01602/FUL). It is clear the building started life as a purpose-built social club in 1898, with later additions and alterations attributing to the club’s popularity and rise in membership. These have now been lost and remain only in the historical record. What does remain is a well-built building, utilising economy of construction in materials but with some architectural flare to the frontage with its stone dressings. However, these remained limited to this area. It is unknown what the former arrangement of the building was during this time, or how it was decorated. From the mid-20th century the Club relocated across the road to a larger building, which is still in use today. The site was utilised as a factory with a single-storey rear extension added within the rear yard, and this was probably when the rear elevations were removed to create an open-plan space. Overall, the building represents a good example of social and community significance at the time of its construction, having local interest, but is not the best example of its type, and has now been largely stripped of significant features.