Vulcan Works

This is a former engineering works, built around 1875 for Henry Mobbs, engineers, who produced boot and shoe machinery. It is located on Guildhall Road and includes workshops to the rear. The front facade, facing Guildhall Road, is constructed of red brick with painted stone and brick dressings, topped by a parapeted roof. It features a nine-window range at the first floor, with iron-framed windows, some of which are boarded, and round arched heads with hoodmoulds. Ground floor features include carriage entrances to the left and centre-right, an office entrance centrally positioned under a bracketed hood, and several windows with pilaster mullions, currently boarded. A further entrance and shuttered window are located to the far right. Giant pilasters rise through both storeys of the front facade, creating an arcade to highlight the main office entrance.

The sloping site led to an unusual layout; offices and related spaces are situated on the ground floor, while workshops are positioned on the first floor, with this level continuing through to the rear light sheds. The rear light sheds are single- and two-storey structures with glazed, pantile, and corrugated sheet roofs.

The Vulcan Iron Works were initially occupied by Henry Mobbs until the late 1890s. Subsequently, the north range was used as a leather warehouse by Phipps and Co., and the remainder of the building was vacant. Phipps remained at the site, with evidence of their presence as shoe mercers in 1928 and 1956, and later producing footwear components by 1961. The central portion of the building was operated as an engineering works by Crossley Brothers. Goad insurance maps indicate a rear goods entrance and a yard entrance onto Fetter Street.

This engineering works is the best surviving example of its type in Northamptonshire, among fourteen known to have produced boot and shoe machinery. It possesses a well-detailed and imposing front facade and represents an unusual survival of a town-centre engineering works. Its central location contributes significantly to the surrounding commercial and civic group, relating to properties such as No. 27 Guildhall Road, the entrance to the Derngate Theatre, and The Guildhall.