The many lives of 41 Watergate

The many lives of 41 Watergate
The building at 41 Watergate has been standing since the 1760s and has taken various guises over the years.

*Collards, Watergate. Photo: Brian Buttery*

*Last days of Collards as it prepares to be converted to a pub. Photo: Allan Senior*

It was home to Collard’s the ironmongers before being converted into The Gate House Inn in 1987. It was well known for the waterwheel inside and the first floor function room, which was a regular venue for concerts and events. It was later renamed The Playhouse before eventually closing.

*THE Gatehouse opened in the building formerly ironmongers Collards. The building was erected in about 1760 and included a 150-year-old waterwheel inside.*

*Inside the Gatehouse which opened in the former ironmongers Collards in 1987. The building was erected in about 1760. It later became The Playhouse.*

*Inside the Gatehouse, later the Playhouse, Watergate. Taken 1987*

*Playhouse and former Gatehouse, Watergate*

The building stood empty and dilapidated for several years before being sold in July 2023. It sits within Grantham’s Conservation Area and planning permission has been granted to convert it into two commercial units and 12 residential flats.