The Candle Factory was situated in an old house, probably medieval, which stood in West Street at the north corner with Simnel Street. From the late 18th century it was used for making tallow candles and according to ‘Townsman’ was still being used for this purpose until it was demolished in the 1930s. ‘Townsman’ claims that the building was at least 300 years old and that it contained many massive oak beams. The kitchen featured a great fireplace and some Dutch tiling, possibly dating to the reign of William and Mary. A watercolour by W. M Cooper depicts the kitchen. The house appears to be identical with that described in the terrier of 1454 as the Cage or Checkerhouse.
Candle Factory
A watercolour by W. M. Cooper showing the kitchen in the house known as the Candle Factory, c.1895
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