Wellingborough, Northants - Universal British Directory - 1791

[Transcription © SA Whittle-Bruce 2004]

Wellingborough, Northants

Universal British Directory 1791

Is four miles west of the river Nen, or Avon, seven north-east from Northampton, and seventy from London. It had the name of Wellingborough-Forum, from its market, and from the many wells, or springs, in and about the town, some of which are medicinal; and Queen henrietta Maria, wife to Charles I. was many weeks here to drink them. This town was destroyed by the Danes; but it recovered, and King John made it a market-town, at the petition of the monks of Crowland, who were possessed of the manor. A dreadful fire, in July 1738, consumed about eight hundred of its dwelling houses, out-houses, &c. in six hours time, so that very few saved their goods; but the houses are since rebuilt more beautifully. They are of a kind of red stone, and their foundation is chiefly on a red stone rock. As the town stands in an open corn-country, its greatest trade is corn, for which its market on Wednesdays is mightily improved, by the decay of that of Higham-Ferrers, at four miles distance. It has also a considerable manufacture of lace, which it is said, returns fifty pounds a-week into the town, one with another, and is therefore, reckoned the second town in the county. Here is a handsome church, and a charity-school for forty children, who are maintained, clothed, and taught to read, write, and work. The fairs are on Easter-Wednesday, Whit-Wednesday, and October 18.

BANKERS.- Morton, Rodick, and Co. draw on Sir James Sanderson and Co.

FIRE-OFFICERS.-Thomas Halles, agent to the Sun Fire-office; William Burcham, agent to the Phoenix Fire-office.

POST-OFFICE.-The post comes in at eight o'clock iin the morning; goes out at four o'clock in the afternoon, and meets the mail coach at Northampton. Charles Thomas, post-master.

A coach sets out from the Hind inn Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, to the Cross Keys, St. John's-street: fare, £1. 1s.-A waggon sets out on Monday and Thursday, to the Golden Lion, St. John's-street.

back to directory index

back to places index