Page 12 - Oundle Life March 2021

the architectural landscape. And
so, it follows that without such
industrial expansion, there has been
no opportunity for any great and impoverishing contraction to, or
abandonment of, the town as the industry died – as is the case with so many other towns across England. Hence Oundle’s main thoroughfare has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
If the lack of industrial expansion has preserved the overall size and character of Oundle, we can also credit in large part the public school. For it has served as Oundle’s architectural benefactor acquiring some of the finest and most interesting properties in town including: Cobthorne, the Headmaster’s residence, and The Berrystead. Thus ensuring their preservation and conservation for future generations to behold, while also sensitively enriching the town’s landscape with well- designed additions to its buildings portfolio. The main effect in Oundle today, just
like Stamford, remains ‘Georgian’, with a preponderance of characterful properties spread out along West Street, through the Market Place, and continuing on up North Street. Indeed, it
is truly an exceptionally rewarding town. How lucky are we?
We can also credit in large part the public school
Joe Croser, first studied architecture in Oxford, and later completed postgrad research into historic buildings in Cambridge. Today he leads Oundle Architecture with a particular
focus on residential design and historic building conservation and refurbishment. www.oundlearchitecture.com
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