News, Articles and Events
In 1972-73, members of a local history course at Naseby carried out research that led to a village history book. The Record Society has had it digitised so now anyone can download it as a PDF free of charge.
All are welcome to join us in October to hear about the notable imagery that was installed in Medieval churches.
Would you like to meet earlier inhabitants of your town or village in the documents they left behind? Would you like to find out more about the wealth of records at Northamptonshire Archives and meet others with similar interests?
We share the history of Northamptonshire with as many people as possible - whether they are keen or curious. This includes digitising books and manuscripts that we then place as PDFs online so you can enjoy them free of charge, wherever you are.
In recent years, excavations of a variety of sites have added much to what we know about the history of Northamptonshire. Locations explored range from ancient fortifications on Hunsbury Hill to a deserted hamlet near Raunds and the site of Northampton Castle.
Very hot weather is not just a recent aspect of life. The summer of 1818 was noted as a period of high temperatures and in June and July exceptionally low rainfall.
A newly-launched e-book offers much to local residents and others interested in the history of Wellingborough. A well-illustrated work based on extensive study and thought, this edition of Stephen Swailes’ book about the history of the town runs to over 250 pages. It is easy to download your own free copy.
The burnt-out building at 47 Sheep Street, Northampton is a sorry sight. It was not always so. For many years in the 19th century, the 20-room edifice with its spacious grounds was home to Frederick Bostock, a major shoe manufacturer. As early as 1851, he lived at ‘Sheep Street’; it was only in 1861 that censuses started to record house numbers there, with Frederick at number 47.
Saturday 10 May 2025, starting at 2:00pm
The Library at Delapre Abbey, Northampton, NN4 8AW is the venue for our AGM and a memorable lecture by Dr Paul Stamper, a noted historian and specialist in the English landscape and its buildings. His illustrated talk will feature pioneers from the 19th century and earlier who researched and wrote about the history of Northamptonshire.
Many winters in the late 17th century were very cold, with enjoyable ‘frost fairs’ held on the frozen surface of the River Thames. But all did not go well in Northamptonshire. Cold Ashby parish register records the fate of a local resident in 1674/5:
Would you like to meet earlier inhabitants of your town or village in the documents they left behind? Would you like to find out more about the wealth of records at Northamptonshire Archives and meet others with similar interests?
Medical Officer of Health reports reveal much about housing conditions, slum clearance and all aspects of public health across the county. More about these subjects, with links to over 900 detailed reports from between 1888 and 1974, can be found in the collection.