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Traces of ancient peoples have been located in this city, lying on the western shores along the River Ise. However, it was not until the Iron Age that hill forts developed in this eastern Northamptonshire area. The Catuvellauni tribe also established a settlement in the first century BC, but the Romans conquered the territory in 43 AD. The Romans remained for about 300 years, with evidence of a Roman iron-smelting operation beneath the northern portion of the modern city. The Saxons moved into the territory after the Romans left and by the 600s, the area was considered part of Mercia. From 889 on, the Danes ruled the region and official documentation in 956, depicted the settlement as farmsteads.
Farmland was accompanied by meadows and woodlands in 1086, and the land was owned by two families, the Buccleuch and the Watsons. A church was established in 1219 and the village grew. A violent outbreak pitting landlords against servants resulted in the Midland Revolt in 1607. Later that century, a woollen cloth industry emerged. Cloth making was followed by boot and shoe industries in the 1800s. Kettering became a magnet for religious non-conformists who established missions locally and around the world. Many ministers initiated anti-slavery campaigns. A young Charles Dickens served as a budding reporter for the local paper in 1835.
Beginning in 1942, the U.S. Air Force frequented the town, being stationed at nearby RAF Grafton Underwood Base. One of the now famous servicemen included American actor Clark Gable.
Activities and Attractions
Kettering has miles of paths for cycling and walking around the local area. Take in acres upon acres of lush English countryside at the Kinewell Lake or the Wicksteed Park. Established in 1916, the amusement park was a rarity in the country and featured a popular boating attraction. Now the venue hosts rides, an aviary and gardens, along with paddling pools and play areas.
Visitors are welcome to explore the vast home of the original Buccleuch family, the Boughton House, also called the English Versailles. The estate houses an immense collection of art, furnishings and textiles spanning centuries. Other prized personal items include porcelain and weaponry. Guests may also explore the gardens, lawns and water features.
Other buildings of interest include the Kelmarsh Hall and the unusual Tudor Triangular Lodge. The Kettering Museum and Art Gallery tells the story of the city through various collections and houses an assemble of paintings from the city's own Sir Alfred East RA.
Spend an afternoon in The Market Place or the park, where one might catch live entertainment in the form of concerts. The local Odeon theatre contains eight screens, providing plenty of options to enjoy the latest movies.
Places to Stay and Dining
Modernised medieval lodging options await visitors in the original city centre. Facilities are conveniently located within walking distance of area attractions and transportation stations.
Mangiamo's restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine with a combination of Greek, Italian and Persian flavours. Choose from kebabs, pizzas or traditional pasta dishes served with different sauces.
Accommodation in Kettering
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