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In our new series of blogs, we’ll be taking a look at the history of street names in Corby, giving insight into the area and how it’s developed over time.
Our first blog takes a look at Occupation Road on the Lloyds estate and its links to Corby Steel Works.
Corby as a town
The story of Corby is one of steel. Throughout much of the 20th century, its fortunes were tied to the steel industry.
In 1950, Corby – with a population of 18,000 – was designated a New Town. After this announcement, extensive building continued and another wave of migration injected new blood into the prosperous town.
The aftermath of the 1970s recession signalled the closure of the Steel Works in 1981. However, Corby was regenerated and 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of Corby as a New Town.
Homes built for workers
Big change came to Corby, thanks to steel industry pioneers, Andrew Stewart and Samuel Lloyd.
They joined forces in 1903 to form the company, Stewarts and Lloyds. With its head offices in Glasgow, Corby Works was acquired in 1920 and in 1933, they went on to build what was to become the largest combined Steel Works in the whole of Europe, at a cost of £3.2 million.
An iron, steel and tube making plant was constructed. Such was the size of the new works, much of the workforce recruited were from outside of Corby. And when several works were subsequently closed in in the Midlands, Wales and Scotland, many workers were encouraged to make the journey to Corby to find new work and settle here.
In order to accommodate the huge number of workers, Occupation Road (on the Lloyds estate) was built by Stewarts and Lloyds during the 1930s. Designed by the company architect, Laurence M. Gotch, recreational facilities were also provided.
The first home of Corby football and rugby teams
To entertain the new residents in Occupation Road, football and rugby teams were formed. Stewarts & Lloyds football club was formed in 1935. Thirteen years later in 1948, Corby Town Football Club was borne, becoming the second club to represent the town. It played its first football match at its home grounds on Occupation Road on 21st August that year, winning 5-1 against Wellingborough Town.
Over 35 years later, it moved its grounds to Rockingham Triangle in 1985 but still retained the club’s nickname of ‘The Steelmen’, which plays homage to the steel works.
A year after the football team was formed, Stewarts and Lloyds RFC was founded following its first match against Kettering in October 1935.
Originally known as Corby Rugby Football Club, it was formed mainly for the workers of Stewarts and Lloyds Ltd and was later known as Stewarts & Lloyds.
Prior to the construction of the Clubhouse on Occupation Road in 1965, players had no option but to change for its matches using the cellar of the Welfare Club – a dedicated space built for steel workers, where they could come together with their families to relax after a hard day’s work.
Property available on the Lloyds Estate
Properties that come on the market in the Occupation Road or Lloyds area of Corby tend to go quickly. Keep an eye on our Properties For Rent and Properties For Sale pages to see any that become available. If you would like to find out more about the area, or have a property to sell or let, please contact us on 01536 261666.
