Spalding

A December 1933 Lincolnshire Free Press article reported a “very important development in the modernisation of Market Place”, namely that Montague Burton Ltd. had purchased the premises of the Peterborough Coal Company and leased the adjoining property from Messrs Elsom, seedsmen, to erect new premises.

By March 1935, there had been a setback in construction due to settlement of the ground, requiring 14 special girders to be manufactured in Manchester. When Burton finally opened on 18th October, the Free Press was overflowing with praise: “A magnificent structure, noble in conception, graceful in design.” “It stands like a crystal palace, glistening in the sunshine and adding dignity to Spalding’s shopping centre.”

Sadly the building is much less noticeable today; a surviving Deco Burton hiding in plain sight. It was finally noticed and added to the database 10 years after Laid by Monty was founded!