Rushden

Rushden is the southernmost town of East Northamptonshire and takes its name from its situation in a ‘rushy valley’ along the banks of a brook which runs through the town.

Within the last hundred years the town has grown from a pastoral village into a town due to the footwear industry, though in the early part of the nineteenth century there were more lacemakers than shoemakers in the town. Rushden is the birthplace of H E Bates, poet, novelist and creator of Uncle Silas and the Darling Buds of May. Discover more about this famous author with an H E Bates trail leaflet.

Rushden Hall is situated in a public park with a bandstand and a stream flowing through. The hall was at one time considered to be one of the finest old halls in the county belonging to the Duke of Lancaster aka John of Gaunt. It is on this site that the present Elizabethan building was erected.

St Mary's Church is recognised as a fine structure with a noteworthy spire. There is evidence that a Saxon church preceded the present building on the same site and its most notable features include the strainer arch, the 15th century stained glass and the Pemberton monument.

Combine your tour with a visit to the high street, where you will find a good selection of pubs, tea shops, high street and independent shops.