Northampton Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History of Northampton

    The settlement of Northampton dates back to Saxon times, and this is probably where its name came from.Northampton used to have a castle, on the site of the current train station. The town also has an underground maze of medieval tunnels and cellars, but these have been sealed off for safety reasons. Northampton’s Market Square is one of the oldest and largest market squares ...Read morein England and dates back to 1235. There are many historic buildings in this area dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Leather and shoemaking have been important industries throughout the town’s life. Read less

  • 2. Now in Northampton

    The Market Square is still an important part of the town, and busy markets are held here six days a week. Northampton is one of the largest towns in the UK. It is a popular place for holidaymakers wanting to enjoy the surrounding countryside and take part in outdoor activities. It is also popular for short-term breaks due to its fairly central location in the UK. Northampton ha...Read mores become a thriving centre for businesses due to its central location. Read less

  • 3. Events in Northampton

    Northampton International Raceway is an oval track for stock car racing, banger racing and other major racing events. Althorp Literary Festival takes place every year at the grand Althorp House in Northampton. The Merry Tom Folk Festival takes place at Brixworth Country Park and attracts visitors from all over the country. Northampton Balloon Festival is another annual event, t...Read moreaking place at the Billing Aquadrome holiday park. Public events take place regularly in Market Square, including a talent show and a dog show. Read less

  • 4. Attractions in Northampton

    Althorp House is open to visitors and includes a park and gardens and plenty of rooms to explore, including the Spencer family’s apartments. There is furniture, paintings, photographs and ceramics on display. Award-winning exhibition Diana: A Celebration is also at Althorp House. Country parks in the Northampton area are Brixworth Country Park and Sywell Country Park.Northamp...Read moreton Museum and Art Gallery houses a famous shoe collection as well as many other exhibits and events. Historic house 78 Derngate was remodelled by famous designer and architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and is now an award-winning attraction, which includes an art gallery. Read less

  • 5. Things To Do in Northampton

    Abington Park Museum tells the history of life in the town and has costume collections and a display about the Northamptonshire Regiment. Parks in the town include Abington Park, Beckets Park, Bradlaugh Fields, Dallington Park and The Racecourse.

  • 6. Business in Northampton

    The Grosvenor Shopping Centre in Northampton has over 60 shops, as well as cafés and restaurants. Peacock Place is a two-level shopping centre housing many high street names. Market Square has stalls selling everything from fresh local produce to electrical goods and fashion.

  • 7. Transport in Northampton

    The M1 links Northampton to the north and south while major A-roads the A43, A45 and A46 link to the east and west. There are frequent trains to Northampton from Birmingham and London, and rail links are good to other destinations in the UK.

  • 8. Entertainment in Northampton

    The Castle is a theatre, cinema and arts centre in Wellingborough, on the outskirts of Northampton. Theatres in Northampton include Moulton Theatre, Royal and Derngate and The Deco. Venues for live music include the Roadmender and Northampton Soundhouse.

  • 9. Famous Landmarks in Northampton

    Althorp House and estate covers 14,000 acres of countryside. The house was built in 1508 and has been home to the Spencer family for nearly 500 years. It became famous around the world following the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales in August 1997.

  • 10. Interesting Facts about Northampton

    Princess Diana is buried in the grounds of Althorp, on an island in a lake.

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  • Northampton’s medieval castle remains to be brought to the surface

    The remains of Northampton Castle that are still underground could be unearthed under new proposals to regenerate Northampton’s historic area. Dr Marie Dickie, who is a member of the Friends of Northampton Castle (FONC), believes that exposing the remains at the medieval site will create social and economic benefits to Northampton. Northampton Castle, on Black Lion Hill, was demolished in the 19th century when Northampton train station was built. Excavations continued to be carried out on the castle remains into …

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  • Historic steam roller rises from the ashes

    A Northampton-built steam roller has been returned to its former glory after being saved from a council depot nearly three years ago. Steam enthusiasts from the Northampton & Lamport Railway in Chapel Brampton salvaged the remains of the Allchin steam roller from Northampton Borough Council’s Westbridge depot in July 2009 and secured a £50,000 Lottery grant for its restoration. The hard working team revealed the restored steam roller to the public on New Year’s Eve. Kingsthorpe resident Julian Skinner, who …

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  • Sports club sets up donation website after wheelchair thefts

    A sports club for disabled people has set up a donation website after dozens of people wanted to help them when they had £10,000 worth of custom-built wheelchairs stolen. Wellingborough Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball Club set up a Paypal account after thieves stole 15 wheelchairs, basketballs and fluorescent bibs from a trailer at the Weavers Sports Centre between 9pm on Sunday, December 18th and 5.20pm on Monday, December 19th. Pete Burgoine, the club chairman said: “There have been a couple of …

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  • Rallying call from supporters with £1.55m fundraising total now in sight

    The fundraising appeal to help fund a new blood cancer treatment at Northampton General Hospital is over halfway to its target. The appeal, which was started by the Chronicle & Echo and Macmillan Cancer Support, is hoping to raise £1.55 million for the unit, which is scheduled in February. Northamptonshire residents took part in charity events throughout 2011. Cairwoman of the branch of Northampton fundraisers for Macmillan Cancer Support, Di Saunderson, said: “The appeal received a fabulous response last year and, despite …

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