Weston Favell
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Weston Favell is a village and district of Northampton in the English county of Northamptonshire. During the Industrial Revolution and 20th Century, it was more or less absorbed by the expansion of Northampton itself. The village environs retain a distinct feel, yet are now entirely surrounded by other Northampton suburbs.
Although Weston Favell's main street (the High Street) was populated by various shops in former years, it is now reduced to a single one. The Weston Favell General Stores lost its Post Office as part of the national scheme of closures in early 2008, despite protest by local residents. Other local amenities include two public houses (the Bold Dragoon and the Trumpet), and a primary school. The school recently moved into new, larger premises, designed by the local architect Maurice Walton. His work includes, among other things, the Northampton Express Lifts Tower, and the Northampton Guildhall extension.
The parish church (St. Peter's, Weston Favell) lies at the centre of the village, at the intersection of the High Street and Church Way. Late 2007 saw the installation of the new Rector, David Kirby.
Weston Favell is also the home of the Northamptonshire County Lawn Tennis Club.
Nearby, although outside the boundaries of the former village, is the Weston Favell Shopping Centre. A large facility, built during the early 1970s and opening in 1974, it has some interesting achitectural features. The main atrium of the building is coved by a large vaulted ceiling, reminiscent of Gothic Cathedrals. Made reinforced concrete it is almost 'a cathedral to consumer worship'. A new annex built in the new millennium also features simple bold lines. The centre houses a large Tesco supermarket, as well as several shops and fast-food outlets.