Friends of St. Peter's Northampton presents a Free Zoom talk - The Old Black Lion

The Old Black Lion in Marefair - A Regeneration Project ahead...

Peter Aiers is the CEO of the Churches Conservation Trust, and will explore the past, present, and future of the inn, located next door to St. Peter's Church.

He will trace its history and describe the traditional coaching inn form and surviving historical fabric. Archaeology suggests that some of the building dates to the late medieval period.

Peter will explain how things led to the pub’s closure and deterioration in recent years and that it was purchased by Northampton Borough Council in 2020.

 Preview of current proposals: 

 ~ to revive the historic pub:

~ to encourage new visitors to Northampton,

~ to support activities at nearby St Peter’s Church. 

 The project is funded by the National Lottery, The local Council and the Architectural Heritage Fund. It is led by the Churches Conservation Trust and it hopes, amongst many other things, to fulfil the promise given by landlord John Roddis in The Northampton Mercury in 1859 -

‘that he has opened the above Inn, where every accommodation will be afforded. WINES and SPIRITS of the finest quality… HOME-BREWED, BURTON, AND OTHER ALE’.

 Peter’s talk will include historical plans and images of the old pub.

 He will show how the Old Black Lion can help wider regeneration in Marefair and the ‘Heritage Gateway’, for the benefit of the whole of Northampton town.