Earls Barton Church is the remains of a medieval motte castle. The castle is unusual because it is so close to a 10th-century church. The castle’s ditch is also Saxon. It is thought to have been the defence for a manor house previously on the site and was re-used in the castle. Visitors can see the remaining mound and ditches by the … Read More
Fotheringhay Castle
Fotheringhay Castle is the remains of a large, medieval motte-and-bailey castle. The castle was built in the early 12th century by Simon de Senlis I, the Earl of Northampton who also built Northampton Castle. It strategically overlooks a crossing point on the River Nene and it also acted as a royal palace and a prison from the 13th century. Richard … Read More
Higham Ferrers Castle
Higham Ferrers Castle was a large, medieval motte-and-bailey castle. Motte-and-bailey castles consisted of a tower and fence built on top of a large mound of earth (the motte), with an enclosed courtyard below (the bailey). Higham Ferrers Castle was built by William Peveral shortly after 1066. It was a large stone castle with two baileys and many buildings, defended by … Read More
Northampton Castle
Northampton Castle was one of the most famous Norman castles in England. The castle site was outside the western city gate, and defended on three sides by deep trenches. A branch of the River Nene provided a natural barrier on the western side. The castle had extensive grounds and a large keep. The gates were surrounded by bulwarks made of earth, used to mount artillery. All that remains of the castle … Read More
The Prebendal Manor
Some years ago the gardens were established to represent both the practical and decorative features that could be found in a high-status garden between the 13th and 15th centuries. Alan Titchmarsh described the gardens as a “stunning example of a recreated medieval garden”. In the last few years the gardens have been adapted beyond the Medieval structures and planting to … Read More
Southwick Hall
Built by Sir John Knyvett, Lord Chancellor to Edward III, Southwick Hall dates from the 14th century. As a family manor house with Tudor rebuilding and Georgian and Victorian additions, there are exhibitions on Victorian and Edwardian life, with collections of agricultural and carpentry tools and local archaeological finds. Southwick Hall comprises architecture of many centuries, notably the 14th, 16th, … Read More
Chichele College
The gatehouse, chapel and other remains of a communal residence for priests serving the parish church, founded by locally-born Archbishop Chichele before 1425. Regularly used to display works of art. Chichele College is a rare surviving example of a chantry college. It was founded in 1422 by the locally born Henry Chichele, Archbishop of Canterbury. Such colleges, common in England … Read More
78 Derngate
The house was remodelled by the world-famous designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh in his iconic Modernist style. The gallery upstairs is free to enter and has a series of exhibitions throughout the year. The dining room and the in-house boutique restaurant offers a full range of delicious contemporary cuisine. From a coffee to a light lunch, full afternoon tea or a delicious … Read More
Royal & Derngate
Royal & Derngate is the main venue for arts and entertainment in Northampton. It offers a diverse programme of work on its stages, from drama to dance, stand-up comedy to classical music and children’s shows to opera. The Royal Theatre in Northampton opened in 1884. It was designed by the famous theatre architect C J Phipps, who also built the … Read More
Longthorpe Tower
Longthorpe Tower displays one of the most complete and important sets of 14th-century domestic wall paintings in northern Europe. This varied ‘spiritual encyclopaedia’ of worldly and religious subjects includes the Wheel of Life, the Nativity and King David. This site is managed by Vivacity Peterborough Culture and Leisure