When a beautiful old arch was discovered during demolition work to make way for a two-storey block of flats and office space for Stamford School, Schoolmasters and Historians were intrigued.
“Revealed for a few hours
When four cottages were being demolished in St. Paul’s Street, Stamford, a fine four-centred arch was found dividing two of them – remains of a building which disappeared before the houses were built in probably the 18th centruy. Although the arch was know to be there, it was not until the concealing walls and rafters were torn away a few days ago that its simple beauty could at last be fully seen, as in the photograph on page one.
Masters from Stamford School, which owns the property, and local historians wee (sic) soon on the scene to watch as more of the graceful curve was revealed. However, the arch was reduced to rubble without affording any clues to its origin.
Some Guesses
Favourite opinion is that the arch dates back to the 13th century. Was it part of the old St. Paul’s Church, the remains of which are now the School chapel? The distance between them is too great for this to be likely. However, the arch was certainly the eastern end of the building. Another theory is that the wall was all that remained of the churches of St. Stephen and Holy Trinity. It is known, however, that St. Stephen’s was on the site of the Church Lads’ club. An identical arch exists in the wall of the cobbler’s shop of Mr. R. Coles, over 200 yards away in the same street. What is the connection between the two?
One certain thing about the arch was its great strength, which is probably why the houses were built against it. The demolishing contractor, Mr. W. L. Darnes of Bourne, attached a chain to the beam in the wall and then pulled with a tractor to bring the whole lot down, but though the later added stonework came away, the arch stood firm as ever.
The site has been cleared to make way for a two-storey stone building for Stamford School – two maisonettes, a business office, a small flat and a sanatorium. It will be in line with the present street level.
A letter of protest against the demolition of the arch appears on this page.*”
The Stamford Mercury, 21st November, 1958.
*See next week’s post.