Page 31 - Thrapston Life May 2025

the rumour that it was constructed so that the
rector’s supply of alcoholic substances could be
delivered without the community knowing.
The next old sepia photograph (previous page
top left) shows Islip House when it was a guest
house, possibly in the 1930’s. The view is of the
rear gardens leading down to the river.
The two at the top of this page are possible
from the 1950’s when the property is described
as Islip Country Club.
The final two pictures are from circa 1960,
the second being an image I colourised from
the original monochrome photo. They show
the front of the house with a petrol filling
station on site. I recently spoke to one of the
men who worked on the site. The storage tanks
underneath the pumps were hand-dug. I do
not know how long it was operative – maybe a
reader can enlighten me. The original picture
was emailed to me a number of years ago, but I
regret I didn’t make a note of who sent it. If you
are reading this, please let me know so I can
give you credit for the image.
Eric Franklin can be contacted for comments
and suggestions for future articles at:
ericfranklin2@hotmail.com
CROWSONS FUNERAL DIRECTORS
BARNWELL, OUNDLE & THRAPSTON
Caring, Professional funeral home for over 120 years
7 Huntingdon Road, Thrapston, Kettering NN14 4NF
01832 734114
crowsonsfuneraldirectors.co.uk
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