Heritage Enterprise
The Old Black Lion is Grade II listed and dates to the 16th century. It overlooks the churchyard of St. Peter’s, a beautiful 12th-century Norman church sat atop the ruins of a Saxon palace.
An archaeological dig during the project discovered that the pub site has been in use since around 1150. It’s believed an earlier building burnt down in the Great Fire of Northampton in 1675 before rising from the ashes as the Old Black Lion in 1720. It closed to customers in 2018 and fell into disrepair.
The project has been a collaboration between West Northamptonshire Council, Friends of St. Peter’s Church and the Churches Conservation Trust, who care for both the church and the pub. The Old Black Lion will reopen as a pub and its facilities will enable neighbouring St. Peter’s to open as a venue and visitor attraction, without needing to make unsympathetic alterations to the Grade I listed church.
An events programme will re-engage local people with their heritage and the first floor of the pub now houses the national offices of the Churches Conservation Trust. Together, the two buildings create a historic hub for community and cultural activities in the heart of Northampton.
Take a closer look at the project or discover more projects that we’re supporting across the Midlands & East.
