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This now sizable city located in the central region of Northamptonshire, has had human inhabitants since the Bronze Age. The metropolis was initially a modest farm settlement around 600 AD. One hundred years later, Hamtum consisted of about 24 hectares (60 acres). Northampton was an administrative location for the Mercian nation. The community continued growing, and when Normans invaded, Northampton had a fortress and town walls. In 1086, Northampton had a documented population of 1500. The King regularly presided over official business in the castle, from here that Thomas Beckett escaped and fled England.
A charter in 1215 allowed the city to appoint a mayor and a town council. The drafting of an assize enumerated crimes and appropriated punishments. The city had a growing Jewish community in the 1200s, but in 1277, the government executed hundreds of Jews and banished the rest from Northampton for defacing the King's currency. Northampton experienced wars, but in 1328, Treaty Northampton brought peace between the English and the Scots. The community sided with the Parliamentarians during the Civil War, which ended with wtih demolishment of the castle and town walls. Fires devastated Northampton in 1516 and 1675, but rebuilding occurred. Leather and footwear industries rose in the eighteenth century and supplied troops during the wars with France. Northampton continued growing and prospering after the arrival of the Canal and the railway.
Activities and Attractions
Visitors enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while strolling around the medieval city, which contains remnants of its historic past. Established around 1100 AD, the Holy Sepulchre Church of Northampton welcomes visitors daily. The Holy Sepulchre was designed as a smaller replica of the treasured house of worship in Jerusalem. The structure was a thank offering from the first Earl of Northampton, Simon de Senlis, who returned safely from the Crusades. In later years, the building received additions, but the original round nave is one of few surviving.
Constructed in 1145, the Delapre Abbey is another ancient structure, once the site of a nunnery. The facility also contains a large park and gardens.
Located on Delapre Hill, a rare Eleanor Cross commemorates the resting place of the Queen's funeral procession through the city. Northampton Museum and Art Gallery houses the city's leather and shoe history. Explore footwear through the ages or browse through the modern art displays. The Northampton Regiment Museum commemorates the military through collections of medals, uniforms and photographs. Military history continues in the Abington House, a fifteenth century manor house. The facility also depicts the city's history from birth to the present.
Five miles outside of Northampton, guests may visit the Althorp House. The home of the famous Spencer family for over five centuries, the expansive estate is now the resting place of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Places to Stay and Dining
Northampton offers a long list of lodging options that include everything from medieval country manor estates to modern name brand hotels. Many facilities welcome families with children and guests under the age of 12 often stay free of charge.
The Bear and Ragged Staff restaurant is a modernised facility filled with local history, and once housed the military during the famous Civil War. Along with serving traditional fares of ale pie, burgers and steak, dining options include a vast selection of popular game meats.
Accommodation in Northampton
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