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The ancient Danish settlement was established in northeastern Northamptonshire. Sometime in the eight century, Kori, leader of the Danes, founded the settlement referred to as Corbei in 1086. The village began holding weekly markets and annual fairs in 1226. Elizabeth I developed a fondness for the town because of a rumoured bond with Sir Christopher Hatton or the heroics of local landowners and thus endowed Corby with a charter. The document exempted local landowners from dues, taxes and military service. This honour sparked the Corby Pole Fair festivities. Held every 20 years, the residents celebrate with carnivals, decorations and fun filled events.
Romans excavated iron ore in the area, but an iron/steel industry did not develop until rediscovery of the beds during the construction of the railway in the 1800s. The industry expanded and brought about the building of large corporations. In 1931, the population of Corby was only 1500, but by the end of the decade, the population exploded to 12,000, as employment opportunities attracted many. Corby was then considered the largest village in England. The industry played a strategic role during the war, creating steel tubes for Operation Pluto, a sub-oceanic pipeline that delivered fuel to neighbouring allies. Due to government intervention, the iron/steel industry plummeted in the late 1970s, costing thousands of jobs. The community forged through the setback and attracted other industries.
Activities and Places to Stay
Corby offers many options for those partaking in cycling and walking activities. The array of numerous pathways includes a circular 54.7 km (34 mile) route encompassing Corby and neighbouring villages. A few minutes from town visitors encounter acres of woodlands and the picturesque Welland Valley. The local lake also enables individuals to enjoy boating, fishing and water activities.
For the young thrill seeker, Corby has Adrenaline Alley. This large fully enclosed facility allows youngsters to learn, train and practice biking, skateboard and scooter skills. The facility contains a large bowl, a vert ramp and a foam pit-learning ramp.
Guests are welcome to tour the expansive manor estate of Deene Park. The house was a medieval fortress constructed around a courtyard and grew into an immense Tudor/Georgian mansion. Guests may explore the Great Hall with its massive beamed ceilings along with the other rooms filled with centuries of furniture and treasures accumulated by the family. Visit the sprawling gardens containing colourful plantings to accommodate all seasons. Guests of the property find a large array of flowering plants, sculpted greenery and lush green lawns. The massive nearby Kirby Hall once belonged to Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to her majesty Elizabeth I. Now largely unoccupied, visitors may journey through the maze of endless hallways and staircases, leading to once grand rooms.
Places to Stay and Dining
Local lodging includes a variety of quaint, modernised inns. Many provide private access to living accommodations and some offer 24/7 drink catering.
The Hatton Arms restaurant, named for one of Corby's founding fathers, serves lunch and dinner meals prepared from locally raised livestock, freshly caught brook trout and homegrown vegetables. Traditional favourites include roasted rump of lamb or grilled chicken breast served with freshly prepared sides and choice of sauces.
Accommodation in Corby
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