Article and photos from Paul Wright, 31st May 2018

Fire
If the revue site "Trip advisor" was doing a current update of the former "Feathers" pub in Rushden High Street, it might not get a very high rating!

The Welcome sign over the gates	and the burnt out car

The view from the car park looks very much like an unloved sort of hostelry, with a burnt out car, and broken doors and windows.

During the Sunday afternoon of May 27th, 2018, a fire ripped through the roof of the aptly named "Fate" club at around 16.00.

This blaze was so fierce that five fire appliances attended the site, trying to get things under control.

a sorry sight	roof destroyed

The building to the left, which was formerly run by Dave Seabrook and his wife Lesley, escaped. The couple sold high class fruit and vegetables etc., at 103 High Street, until it closed in 2008. More recently the building was home to "Sassy Belle" as can be seen in one of the shots.

The Feathers Inn dates back to the late19th century, having opened its doors in 1888, then due to the High Street being widened, it had a rebuild in 1937.

The buildings to the right, formerly occupied by "Rose's” fashion centre and Sketchley the dry cleaners, and more recently Wendy Shoes, also escaped the fire.

Current traders Housewives Choice next to West End DIY are evidently unscathed.

When I took the shots before 8am on Thursday morning of 31st May, the road was closed, scaffolding was up on the building, and the smell of smoke was still lingering in the misty late spring air.

Slates off of the roof were laying on the pavement, and now we wonder what will be done with the building in this state?

Northamptonshire police had arrested a teenage lad in connection with the fire, the 15 year old was later released under investigation.