Places in Towcester
North-east Baptist ChapelBaptist Chapel (1853)
The Baptist Chapel at the north end of Towcester was erected in 1853 on land owned by Thomas Ridgway the tea magnate. From 1897 it was a motor engineering business, and it is now a carpet and flooring business. [more]
BlankBell Inn, 221 Watling Street
A beatiful little Roman lamp in terra cotta in perfect condition was found when the Bell was demolished in 1859. [more]
Bickerstaffes AlmshousesBickerstaffes Almshouses (1689)
Thomas Bickerstaffe paid for three almshouses to be built in 1689. The building was extended in 1815 and demolished in 1970. The Sponne and Bickerstaffe Charity still exists. [more]
Bury Mount, treesBury Mount (c.1085)
The Normans built a motte and bailey castle at Towcester which was used again in defence by the Royalists during the Civil War (1643). [more]
The Chain Gate in 2017Chain Gate (1824)
The Chain Gate was designed in the classical style as fitting entrance to Easton Neston House and Park. [more]
Chantry House in 1998 Chantry House (c.1447)
The Chantry House was established in 1451 to house two chaplains to say Mass for the soul of Archdeacon Sponne. It housed the Grammar School until c.1866. [more]
Towcester Cinema in 1950sTowcester Cinema
A luxurious cinema with 890 seats built by the first Lord Hesketh in 1939, and demolished in 1984. [more]
The National Schools in 2002National School (1849)
The building in Watling Street housed separate classrooms for boys, girls and infants plus accommodation for the Master and his family. [more]
BlankPlank House
The "Plank House" formed the living quarters of the Skears Stores. It has been demolished. [more]
Post Office in 2007Post Office (1799)
Gilbert Flesher built this imposing house. It has also been lived in by the Master of the Grafton Hunt. [more]
The Saracens Head in 2014Saracen's Head Inn (18c)
The Saracen's Head dates from the 18th century. Famous guests include Charles Dickens. [more]
Town HallTown Hall (1865)
The Town Hall building, which dominates the Market Square, included offices and meeting rooms as well as the largest hall in Towcester for public meetings. [more]
St.LawrenceSt.Lawrence Church (120,1200,1490)
Tour the building (25 stops on your itinerary) and find out about the people. [more]
Grammar School in 1920s Sponne School (1928,1993)
Northamptonshire's oldest grammar school, founded in 1430. The buildings, the headmasters and the Education Acts. [more]
Water MillThe Water Mill (1799)
The buildings, the machinery and the millers [more]
Towcester Workhouse in 2017The Workhouse (c.1834)
The workhouse was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott to accommodate 200 inmates. The building is now divided into flats (apartments). [more]

Nineteenth Century Directories

Properties in Towcester and their occupiers
A rating assessment of Towcester in 1855 listing all properties, owners and occupiers. [more]
Nineteenth Century Directories for Towcester and surrounding villages
Names and places; pubs and inns; and employment. [Kelly's 1877, 1898] [Pigot 1841] [Whellan 1849]