History of Northampton Page 1
The Last Millenium
The key to Northampton's importance
as a regional centre lies in its strategic geographical location
within the United Kingdom. The River Nene provided a ready means
of access for settlers in prehistoric times and by the 8th century,
Northampton had become a town of some importance within the ancient
kingdom of Mercia; and 100 years later an administrative centre
for the Danes.
Northampton's position strengthened after the large and impressive
Norman Castle was built. It was here in 1164 that Henry II brought
the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas a Becket to trial, and it
was from Northampton that Becket escaped to freedom and France
dressed as a monk.
In the Domesday Book, compiled in 1086, Northampton is described
a town of approximately 300 houses rendering £30 10/- (
thirty pounds, ten shillings or £30.50 in today's currency)
to the King. Forty years later, that levy had more than trebled
and by the latter part of the 12th century, Northampton was clearly
one of the most prosperous towns in the kingdom.
In 1189, Northampton was granted its first charter by Richard
I in return for monies to finance his Third Crusade. This gave
the town "all free custom and liberties" that the citizens
of London enjoyed. The photo shows The Guildhall, the seat
of local government in the town.
King John, who spent much of his reign in residence in Northampton, confirmed this charter
in 1200 and gave the burgesses of Northampton the right to appoint
a ceremonial mayor. Throughout the Middle Ages, Northampton continued
to hold a significant position in the life and times of the country.
The town's castle was a favourite royal residence and a setting
for parliaments and councils from Henry I to Richard II. However,
by the 13th and 14th centuries, the town had fallen into a deep
recession, hit first by high taxation and later by the Black Death.
Two centuries later, Northampton was a stronghold for Parliament
in the Civil War and following the Restoration, Charles II ordered
the demolition of the town's castle and walls. Most of Northampton's
medieval timber buildings were destroyed in the Great Fire of
1675. A new Northampton quickly grew from the ashes. With its
handsome, wide streets planned around the Market Square, Northampton
was described by Daniel Defore, famous author of 'Robinson Crusoe',
as "the handsomest and best built town in all this part of
England". The photo show All Saints Church which was rebuilt
after the Great Fire.
Photos on this page were taken by Peter Cockerill, Flash Photography, Northampton © 1999.
