Northamptonshire is steeped in history, let the county share it’s intriguing tales and secrets with you.
We Have a Heritage of Making History
Wherever you go in Northamptonshire, it seems you’re stepping into history.
Our countryside is peppered with stately homes, castles and follies. Our towns too, are crammed with historic buildings and ancient churches.
There are an amazing number of museums in the county – over 50, each with its own unique and inspiring collection of artefacts and stories from days gone by.
Player of the Month
Each month, in conjunction with Northampton Saints, we will be awarding one player with this prestigious award.
Things To Do
Whatever makes your ideal short break or long weekend, Northamptonshire fits the bill, with great shopping, inspiring countryside, arts and culture and all kinds of activities.
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An exhibition of contemporary painting, sculpture, light Installation and film at the Fishmarket Gallery.
A Story of People
History is of course, a story of people. And we have many, many intriguing tales of the people who have been in the county before us.
For instance, there’s the tragic tale of Mary Queen of Scots who was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle (now surrounded by Scottish thistles). The ghost of the Queen is said to walk the stairs of The Talbot hotel in Oundle.
Then we have two of the remaining three Queen Eleanor crosses built by Edward I to mark places where Queen Eleanor’s funeral procession stopped on its way from Lincolnshire to London in 1290.
For more interesting stories and details of our heritage sites visit the Explore Northamptonshire website
The battle of Naseby on the 14th June 1645 was the decisive fight of the English Civil War where Parliament's New Model Army defeated the forces of King Charles. Naseby ranks with Hastings and Bosworth as a turning point in English history.
A more recent, and perhaps more surprising link to history is that Northamptonshire is the final resting place of Nicolai Poliakoff, probably better known as the world-famous Coco the Clown. His carved image is to be seen on his gravestone in Woodnewton. Download your walking book from the Britain on Show site to find the walk to Nicolai’s grave.
Ancestral Tourism
Northamptonshire is county committed to helping you trace your roots. Whether you are a resident or visitor there are plenty of services available to help you find your past. The County Council is also committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the county of Northamptonshire and making it accessible to those living in the county, as well as to visitors from the United Kingdom and abroad.
Northamptonshire is an area of outstanding heritage interest, in terms of its archaeology, its documentary heritage, its buildings and historic sites.
Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, Northamptonshire County Council hopes you will make use of and enjoy the county’s unique heritage.
Trace Your Roots
Trace your roots with expert help and advice from the Northamptonshire Records Office.
The archives, which are held in special storage conditions, date from the 12th century to modern times and come in many different formats including charters, court rolls, deeds parish and non-conformist registers, maps, letters, diaries, accounts, books, wills, photographs and films. They are created by a wide range of organisations, families and estates, parish churches, businesses, societies and individuals.
Whether you are researching your family, local or house history or are working on a school or college project it’s worth visiting us to see the records and resources that we look after.
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