Daventry

Daventry stagnated after the Railway Age as it was by-passed by the main line. Its profitable coach trade along Watling Street was also destroyed. These views capture the town just before the Daventry Development Corporation was formed in 1963. The population was to more than double and continues to grow apace. The decaying Moot Hall of 1769 dominates this view of the market square. It was later restored and now houses the Daventry Museum, the town mayor’s parlour and the tourist information centre. Note the K2 telephone kiosk, a superb 1926 design by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.
An extract from from"Northamptonshire Living Memories".

This photograph, taken shortly after the war, shows the Moot Hall in a rather sorry state of repair. Northamptonshire sandstone is subject to severe weathering, and this photograph shows that time, money and man-power were not available to keep this façade in good order. The building at the extreme left of the picture, behind the porch, was the first Methodist chapel in the town; it was later used to house Daventry’s fire engine. Outside the Moot Hall is an early concrete telephone box designed by Gilbert Scott.
An extract from from"Daventry Living Memories".

The High Street is looking remarkably quiet and empty – there are only a few vans and cars, and no road markings. The upstairs bay window of the shop on the left is no longer to be seen, as the façade has been rebuilt. It belonged to Tower’s, who were boot makers. The Lion & Lamb on the right displays the star trademark of the Northampton Brewery Company. This company amalgamated with Phipps, the other major brewer in Northampton. They in turn were taken over by the Watney Mann group in 1962.
An extract from from"Daventry Living Memories".

The Market Square is at the junction of the High Street, Abbey Street and Chapel Lane. Chapel Lane was formerly Hogmarket, and is now called St John’s Place. The Plume of Feathers, the rendered building on the right, is shown on an earlier postcard by Rodhouse of Daventry as stone-built. The sign Maple Leaf Court is on the corner of the building known previously as the Peacock Hotel, but it was at this time divided into flats.
An extract from from"Daventry Living Memories".

To the south of the Market Square are the abbey buildings. This is a Victorian reconstruction of the last remnants of the Cluniac priory. Over the centuries it has been used as a school, a gaol and a poorhouse. The County Library was based here in the 1950s. It was opened twice a week by Mr Webb, the headmaster of the Abbey School - its sign with a flaming torch can be seen on the right-hand end of the building. A Coronation tea for children took place in the upstairs room in 1953 - the unusual treat of banana sandwiches was provided.
An extract from from"Daventry Living Memories".