Market Towns
The diverse towns of East Northamptonshire are packed full of history and charm, and yet bustle with modern shops. Take Oundle, one of the oldest towns in England which is situated on a curve in the river Nene. It has a timewarp collection of old streets full of interesting independent shops, galleries, a museum, and an array of pubs and teashops.
The Talbot Hotel is one of Oundle's finest buildings. Dating from 1626, its splendid oak staircase is reputed to have come from Fotheringhay Castle. A bustling market is held on Thursday since 972 AD and it is such a delightful town you feel that you have gone back in time.
Due south lies the town of Thrapston. With its location at the crossroads of two Roman roads and a crossing of the River Nene, it is likely that there has been a settlement in Thrapston for over two millennia. The town was granted its market charter by King John in 1205 and a weekly market is still held here on Tuesdays, for general goods and produce. Thrapston is full of charm and character, with a selection of pubs, tearooms and independent speciality shops.
Raunds is best known today as the home of the British Army Boot. In 1905, a dispute arose about the wages to be paid to army bootmakers, which culminated in a historic march to London in May that year.
Archaeological excavations in the town have revealed evidence of Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Medieval inhabitants and building foundations. A good selection of independent shops, tea shops and pubs await to tempt you, with a weekly market taking place on Friday, and some key special events taking place each year which include the Music Festival.
As you head south you will uncover the delightful town of Higham Ferrers. Full of fine buildings of all ages, it has more than its share of fine pubs and independent speciality shops. The heart of the town is graced by the medieval market cross which dates from 1280. The town was the birthplace of Henry Chichele who went on to become the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1414. He established Chichele College and the Bede House.
Over the centuries Irthlingborough has earned its livelihood through agriculture, quarrying, mining, tanning, engineering, and the manufacture of boots and shoes.
The cross at Irthlingborough is thought to date from the 13th century. The 13 foot long shaft is said to have been used as the standard pole for measurement of agricultural land in the open fields system of shared land from at least the 10th to the early 19th century. Irthlingborough is today known as the home of the Rushden and Diamonds Football Club. The stadium is widely acclaimed as being one of the finest at its level.
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.
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 or come and see some of the many events taking place throughout the year.