Northampton recovered from the Great Fire of 1675 in the 18th century to become England’s shoe and leather capital. And, if you happen to be looking for a monument to this wealth, the Neo-Gothic church (1861-64) is a jewel. Northampton had formerly been home to one of the largest Norman castles in England, and Parliament was often met here throughout medieval times. In the country, one cannot travel more than a mile without coming across a lovely manor house or estate. The most renowned of them is Althorp, which has been in the Spencer family since the 16th century and is where Diana, Princess of Wales is buried.
In short, in every corner of the place, all the spots take you back to the past. So, if you are planning a trip to England with your family or friends. Without any doubt, start planning, book jetblue airways booking online, and save up to 40% off on round trips on every flight. To assist you, take a low below to know more about this beautiful place.
Let’s have a look at the finest things to do in Northampton:
Halt in the City
Northampton’s fast growth in the nineteenth century necessitated the construction of a new town hall, which was designed in Gothic Revival style by Edward William Godwin of Bristol at the age of 28. The façade has extensive rows of piercing arches with fine tracery, in addition to statues and decorations depicting monarchs with a connection to Northampton’s history. Additionally, you could come upon a monument to Princess Diana, whose family seat happens to be located only some miles away in Althorp.
Derngate 78
Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a modernist designer, and architect refurbished the inside of this Georgian home in 1916-17 for the style-conscious Wenman merchant Joseph Bassett-Lowke. 78 Derngate is the only Mackintosh-designed residence in England, and it became a public tourist attraction in 2003 after an 18-month makeover. Derngate happens to be a jewel in part because it was Mackintosh’s last major effort, and the wood paneling, stained glass, and enamels all witness to a mature designer.
Museum and Art Gallery in Northampton
When this article happened to be first published in 2018, the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery was closed for renovations and was scheduled to return in 2019. However, it would be a shame if it did not make the list, given it has the world’s largest collection of footwear and exhibits on antique shoemaking tools. Additionally, to commemorate Northampton’s leather trade, there happen to be exhibits of leather objects from throughout the world on display, as well as information on the ‘new town’ and its rebirth after the Great Fire of 1675.
Museum of Abington Park
This museum is housed in Abington Park’s 15th-century magnificent estate, which was formerly the home of Elizabeth Bernard, William Shakespeare’s granddaughter. The mansion has undergone extensive modifications, in part because it was a Victorian “madhouse.” You may enter to see the oak-clad Oak Room as it would have been in the 18th century, as well as the displays on Northamptonshire military history. Additionally, there is an intriguing Victorian cabinet of curiosities, and the museum hosted a temporary exhibition in 2018 on Northamptonshire’s old leather goods trade.
Park Abington
To the east of Northampton, in the Abington district, there is a large park that was once the site of a village. Abington was demolished in the 17th century to make way for the manor house and its park. This makes it Northampton’s oldest park, and it happens to be well-known for its varied gardens, ancient antiquities, museums, flower exhibitions, cafés, and picturesque lakes. Abington Park offers a distinct fragrance and touch garden for the blind, and on summer Sundays, the bandstand happens to be always packed with classical, folk, jazz, and metal bands.
The Holy Sepulcher Church
The Holy Sepulcher, situated immediately north of Market Square, is Northampton’s oldest edifice and one of just four Norman round churches still standing in the county. Numerous alterations have been made throughout the last 900 years, the most famous being those made by Victorian restorer George Gilbert Scott. Several centuries after the church’s inception, an eastern nave, aisles, and chancel were added. The Norman round church that stood in the baptistery, on the other hand, still exists, as do the south and north porches, which retain their original windows.
Last Words
Walking through Northamptonshire’s tranquil countryside will tempt you to slow down and take in Elizabethan estates and little villages. Silverstone, the birthplace of the British Grand Prix, is a must-see trip for petrolheads at any time of year. So without any further delay, plan your trip to the UK with AirlinesMap and get a chance to explore & experience the aura of all these places. Happy Vacations..!
