We have an exciting opportunity to visit works in progress at the Old Black Lion pub on Mare Fair, Northampton. The £3.5m project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, HM Treasury’s Towns Fund, West Northamptonshire Council, the Architectural Heritage Fund and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation. This is an important local project and strategically placed as part of the regeneration of Northampton Town Centre. 

The Old Black Lion pub is next door to the 12th century, Grade 1 listed St Peter’s Church, which was restored by the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) in the late 1990s. Despite periods of use by the community and an active Friends group, in recent years the church has struggled to function as a heritage landmark and venue, and it has subject to break-ins and criminal activity. The historic coaching inn has been empty since 2018, and is now also being restored by the CCT. Its hospitality facilities and toilets will support the use of St Peter's as a heritage landmark and community asset. Recent works have involved an archaeological investigation of the courtyard.

We have been offered a site visit, led by the project manager. Spaces are limited to a group of up to ten on 27 July 2023, 13.00-15.00.

Meeting point will be at 12:30pm at the front door of St Peters Chruch, Marefair.

Site Visit of Old Black Lion pub will be approximately 1 hour.

Site Visit of St Peter’s Church will be approximately 30 minutes.

Site safety boots are required. The contractor will provide hard hats and vests. 

Tickets

If you would like to attend, please reserve a ticket through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/riba-east-midlands-women-in-architecture-old-black-lion-site-visit-tickets-666732493837?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Location

Marefair

Northampton

NN1 1SW

For more information on the works, visit the Churches Conservation Trust website here.