The Old Mortuary in Lion Lane, Needham Market, to go under the hammer

A mortuary which served a town during World War II could be given a new lease of life as it is set to go up for auction.

The Old Mortuary in Lion Lane, Needham Market, will go under the hammer on Wednesday, March 26 with a guide price of £60,000 to £80,000.

It was built in 1937 by Gipping Rural District Council and would have played a crucial role during wartime air raids. The Grade II Listed property’s exact history remains somewhat of a mystery — including when it ceased operating as a mortuary.

However, it still retains some of its original features including its concrete floor, whitewashed brick walls and distinctive double doors at the front.

Auction House East Anglia, which is handling the sale, believes the property could be transformed into a workshop, studio, office space or, with the right permissions, a commercial premises, quirky home or holiday let.

For those interested in giving the Old Mortuary a new lease on life, viewings can be arranged by calling 01473 558 888.

Needham Market has long had a history tied to the macabre as Chainhouse Road earned its name after the town was chained off in the 1660s to prevent the spread of the plague

Meanwhile, The Causeway was once known as ‘The Corpseway’ as it was used to transport plague victims to their final resting place.