SNN117052 - The Old Black Lion Inn, 1 Black Lion Hill, Northampton, Historic Building report: Analysis and Interpretation

The Old Black Lion (Grid ref. SP 74928 60400) is located on the main east west throughfare on Black Lion Hill, formerly a section of Gold Street. As such, it has occupied a prime location throughout its known history, which, from an analysis and interpretation of the fabric, would tentatively suggest origins predating the fire of 1516. It sits on an historically sensitive site which has evidenced continuity of occupation from the Romano -British and early/mid Saxon periods, through to the present day. The Old Black Lion has witnessed many changes in form and internal layout, driven not only by two disastrous fires in the 16th and 17th centuries, but also by economic and social change. This report investigates how change has impacted the building and casts light on the role it has played in both a local and wider historic context. It identifies structural alterations and sets them in context, with an eye to providing information necessary for informed decision making without loss to the historical integrity of the building