Closure of two historic Northamptonshire hotels 'a great shame'

The Royal Hotel in Market Place and the Naseby Hotel in Sheep Street are both currently closed.

The Naseby Hotel’s building dates back to the 16th century - and Kettering Civic Society chairman Paul Ansell says he hopes both buildings can be given a new lease of life.

He said: “The history of both hotels has shown a dramatic decline over the past 40 years.

“Both were thriving without a doubt but it’s become more and more popular to go out of town for events.

“It’s a great shame but a lot of people go to the Park Hotel and business has dropped off, especially for the Royal Hotel.”

Mr Ansell hopes that potential investors will take advantage of Kettering’s surroundings to make the sites thrive in the future.

He added: “Both of them, but especially the Royal, could be taken over by a large organisation such as English Heritage, with the idea of them using it as a regional headquarters.

“The history of the area can be supported and used by a hotel or for courses and by having a quality name it may be given a new lease of life, and maybe develop links with Tresham College.

“Tourism in Kettering is very, very special and within 15 miles there are lots of special places that people can get to.”