Northampton
Archaeological remains in the Briar Hill district reveal a Neolithic encampment within a large circular earthwork. Local farmers gathered there for tribal ceremonies and seasonal events from approximately 3500 BC to 2000 BC. Present-day Hunsbury Hill stands as an example of this Iron Age settlement type. A circular ditch and a bank faced with a wall of timber enclosed an area dating to around 400 BC. During the Roman period, a small rural settlement likely existed in the present-day district of Duston. Remains of Roman pottery were found there by modern excavators.
Northampton Castle was thought to have been built by Simon de Senlis circa 1084. It served as an occasional royal residence from the reign of King Henry I in 1130 until that of King Richard II. Some 32 Parliaments were held within its stone walls over the centuries. The last Parliament at Northampton took place in 1380. Significant events included the trial of Thomas Becket in 1164 and the publication of the Assize of Northampton in 1176. Royal tournaments and feasts also filled the castle grounds before its eventual demolition.
By the end of the 18th century, Northampton had become a major centre for footwear and leather manufacture. In 1801, the population stood at 7,020 but more than doubled to 15,351 in 1831. This growth stemmed from great demand for footwear caused by the Napoleonic Wars of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A third of the adult males alone worked as shoemakers at that time. Over 4,000 pairs of leather shoes and 600 pairs of cavalry jack-boots were manufactured for Parliamentary armies during the Civil War.
Northampton was designated a New Town in 1968 following World War II. The Northampton Development Corporation spent £205 million to build new housing and industrial estates. Initially these projects appeared in Lumbertubs, Moulton Park and Round Spinney to the east. Later developments included Briar Hill, Camp Hill and East and West Hunsbury in the south. The population grew from 105,421 in 1961 to 157,217 by 1981 with 15,655 new homes added between 1970 and 1985.
Spencer Perceval was elected as one of two Members of Parliament in 1796. He became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1809 before being assassinated in the House of Commons lobby in 1812. In 1880, radical non-conformist Charles Bradlaugh was elected as an MP. During his election cross-candidate hustings a riot broke out in the Market Square. Local figures called military forces to disperse the crowd. By the late 19th century, Northampton had acquired a reputation for political vanguardism.
The composers Malcolm Arnold, William Alwyn, Trevor Hold, Edmund Rubbra and Robert Walker were born in Northampton. Indie rock band The Departure formed here alongside Gothic rock band Bauhaus. The latter often cited as godfathers of goth helped pioneer the genre during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. Pop musician Sophie was also born in the town. Dominic Major drummer of London Grammar and Adrian Utley guitarist of Portishead originate from this area. The Royal & Derngate theatre complex serves as a main venue for arts and entertainment on Guildhall Road.
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Common questions
When did Neolithic encampments exist in the Briar Hill district of Northampton?
Neolithic encampments existed in the Briar Hill district from approximately 3500 BC to 2000 BC. Local farmers gathered there for tribal ceremonies and seasonal events during this period.
Who built Northampton Castle and when was it constructed?
Northampton Castle was thought to have been built by Simon de Senlis circa 1084. It served as an occasional royal residence from the reign of King Henry I in 1130 until that of King Richard II.
What year did the last Parliament take place at Northampton Castle?
The last Parliament at Northampton took place in 1380. Some 32 Parliaments were held within its stone walls over the centuries before its eventual demolition.
How many pairs of leather shoes were manufactured for Parliamentary armies during the Civil War in Northampton?
Over 4,000 pairs of leather shoes and 600 pairs of cavalry jack-boots were manufactured for Parliamentary armies during the Civil War. This production occurred while a third of adult males worked as shoemakers.
When was Northampton designated a New Town following World War II?
Northampton was designated a New Town in 1968 following World War II. The population grew from 105,421 in 1961 to 157,217 by 1981 with 15,655 new homes added between 1970 and 1985.