Location – Number 10 St. Mary’s Hill, St Paul’s Passage, Stamford

Transcription 

THIS NORMAN ARCH IS BELIEVED TO BE ONE OF THE POSTERN GATES IN THE TOWN WALLS.

History

House, No. 10, two storeys, stone and timber-framed, comprises the N. half of a 12^th century house of stone which was partially rebuilt in the late Middle Ages and again altered in the 19^th century. The building incorporates at one side of the street front a 12^th century doorway of two orders, the inner roll-moulded, the outer zig-zag, with rebated inner jamb. The 12^th century house measured at least 36ft from front to rear, and about 40ft wide, this being the combined widths of 9A and 10; the ground stage was clearly an unvaulted undercroft, domestic accommodation being on the first floor.

Ref: A Survey by the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments, p128, Plate 65.

Comment

This bronze plaque was probably installed around the 1930s when rigorous checking of historical detail was in its infancy by the local authority, at least in Stamford. The opening cannot have been a Postern gate in the medieval town wall. The South boundary of the old town came down Wharf Road and what would have been Bridge Gate with the River Welland and the Castle forming the rest of the Southern boundary. I often see visitors looking at the plaque as it is in a prominent location. This is one of many locations around Stamford where misleading and incorrect signs have been installed and where inhabitants and visitors alike come to believe the history. Many of the townspeople, I am pleased to say, know the correct history. The plaque is in good condition and is protected to some degree from direct exposure.

The comments and opinions in this document are attributed to Ronnie Teasdale and are not associated with any organisation.

A print version can be downloaded HERE