Heritage Open Days 2019 Coordinated by Northampton Borough Council and supported by Northampton Town Centre BID.

Further information about all participating venues Friday 13 – Sunday 15 September can be found at www.heritageopendays.org.uk

St Peter’s Church

@heritageopenday #HODs /heritageopendays @heritageopendays @heritageopenday #HODs /heritageopendays @heritageopendays www.heritageopendays.org.uk www.heritageopendays.org.uk Welcome to Heritage Open Days in Northampton Town Centre Venues

Heritage Open Days is a national event co-ordinated locally by Northampton Borough All Saints’ Church, George Row, Northampton Council and run by volunteers who kindly give their time and expertise. It’s your chance to Friday, Saturday 9am – 6pm and Sunday 12 noon to 6pm see historic places and try out new experiences in and around the town – and best of all, it’s (services at 8am and 10.30am) completely FREE. Built in 1680 in the Wren style, the church replaces the larger This year’s event is extra special, as it marks 25 years since the start of National Heritage 11th century building which was destroyed in the 1675 Great Open Days, and Northampton has taken part every single year! Heritage Open Days in Fire of Northampton. Following the fire, King Charles II gave Northampton will run between Friday 13 and Sunday 15 September, but some venues and 1,000 tonnes of timber from his Royal forests at Salcey and attractions will remain open from 16 – 22 September as part of the extended National Rockingham to help re-build the church and his statue sits Heritage Open Days. above the carved portico to commemorate this donation. A classic bus service will offer free rides between many venues on Saturday 14 and Sunday Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Sheep Street, NN1 2LY 15 between 9am and 5pm. A timetable is included at the back of this booklet and will be Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday 12 noon- 4pm displayed at the Heritage Open Days bus stop on George Row. Buses will also be parked on the Market Square on Sunday 15 between 10am and 4pm. The building is a rare Norman church with medieval additions and one of only four remaining round churches in the UK. Built This booklet gives an overview of each venue taking part, but more information, including by the First Earl of Northampton, Simon de Senlis in 1100AD after accessibility, parking, booking details and on-site facilities can be found at his return from the Crusades, and modelled on its namesake www.heritageopendays.org.uk. church in Jerusalem. The Soldiers’ Chapel, full of militaria, is Please note that changes to entries may have been made after this booklet went to print, especially impressive following a £40k conservation project. so it is best to check the website before making your visit. Northampton Borough Council Experienced tour guides will be on hand throughout the day. accept no responsibility for changes or outdated entries. Engine Shed: Northampton’s Guerrilla Army and Home Guard, University of Northampton, University Drive, NN1 5PH Saturday 11am – 4pm This 1940’s-themed open day will allow visitors to explore the restored Victorian locomotive shed and learn all about the role Northampton’s railways played in WWII. There will be pop-up history displays, and a chance to talk to volunteers from the Home Guard, along with displays of equipment and weapons, a home guard camp, drills and exercises. The Pit Stop Cafe will be open with refreshments. There will also be child friendly games and trails available.

Guildhall, St Giles’ Square, NN1 1DE Sunday 12 noon – 4pm

A rare chance to have a guided tour of this gem of Victorian Gothic architecture, built in 1861 - 64 to the design of E W Godwin and extended in 1889-92 in a similar style by A W Jeffrey & Matthew Holding. The richly decorated interior includes the Great Hall with fine stained glass windows, the old Court Room, Council Chamber, The Godwin Room, Mayor’s Gallery and underground cells. 30 minute, 1 hour and 2 hour tours available – to be booked on the day final tour at 3pm

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Hazelrigg House, 33 Mare Fair, Northampton NN1 1SR Northamptonshire Natural History Society, 10 Castilian Saturday 14 September 3.30pm, Saturday 21 September Terrace, NN1 1LD 3.30pm, Sunday 22 September 12.30pm Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm The Looking Glass Theatre will take you on 40-minute guided The society, founded 1876, is dedicated to the natural history, tour of this grade II listed Tudor house, which is one of town’s environmental and scientific aspects of Northamptonshire, oldest domestic buildings, built in approximately 1570. It is one of offering a variety of information and experiences on topics the few structures which survived the Great Fire of Northampton including botany, meteorology, astronomy and zoology. Bring along a leaf or insect to view through our microscopes and in 1675. weather permitting, look through our special telescopes to see A ‘Hidden Secrets’ mystery tour will also take place on Sunday the sun safely. 15 September, starting in the house and then continuing around the town centre, to explore secrets from the town’s past. There is a small charge of £2 for this tour. To book places on all tours, visit thelittleboxoffice.com/lgt

Northampton Magistrates Court ‘Have Your Day in Court’, Campbell Square, NN1 3EB site and its environs tour, St Peter’s Saturday 10am – 4pm Church, Mare Fair, NN1 1SR Friday, Saturday and Sunday, tours at 11am The doors of Northampton Magistrates Court will be open to the public to see how justice is done, how cases are progressed Visit the site of Northampton’s lost castle, which had a rich and through the court and how judgements and sentences are made. eventful history over several centuries, when it often functioned Visitors will have an opportunity to take part in a mock trial and as the centre of a kingdom. The walk will start at the Norman sentencing experience and take a tour of the court cell. There will Church of St Peter’s, and take in Saxon history in the area, as well be information on the history of the court and how one hundred as many tales from Norman and Plantagenet history. Walk takes years of female magistrates have influenced the judiciary. approximately 75 minutes.

Old Savoy Cinema (Deco Theatre), Abington Square, Northampton & County Club, George Row, NN1 1DF NN1 4AE Saturday and Sunday, tours at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm Friday and Saturday 10am - 4pm Also open 19, 20, 21 September 10am – 4pm Take a guided tour of this Grade II* listed building with medieval vaulted cellars, 17th century staircase, 18th century rooms and fine The Deco Theatre first opened in 1936 as ‘the Savoy’ and is a Victorian billiard room. Site of former Northampton Infirmary, now hidden gem designed in the International Modernistic style by a member’s club. Light refreshments and hot meals available. WR Glen. All the main features are still in place and have been Tours last approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and must be pre-booked sympathetically renovated, including an impressive 1,000 seat by calling 01604 632962. auditorium. It is host to a wide variety of shows, a Christmas pantomime, and many training events.

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St Peter’s Church, Mare Fair, NN1 1SU Church of St Edmund King and Martyr, High Street, Friday 10.30am – 3pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 3pm , NN4 6BZ Friday and Saturday 9am - 5pm with tours at 10.30am and 3pm, First built in its current form around 1130, this is the second Sunday 9am - 5pm with a tour at 3pm. The church is also open from oldest building in Northampton. A very fine example of Norman 16 – 22 September architecture, including the Norman arches inside. Dr William Smith, the father of English Geology, is buried in the churchyard and the Following the dissolution of the monasteries, this 13th century, grade church contains a piece of carved stone, reckoned to be the lid of II* parish church became the burial place of the Tate, Clarke and a reliquary of St Ragnar, the nephew of King Edmund who was Bouverie, families who lived at Delapre Abbey and contains many martyred by the Danes in 870AD. memorials to them. 17th century tombs of the Tate family, under the altar, will be uncovered this weekend. There is also a monument by Rysbrack to Bartholomew Clarke. Tours include an escorted climb up the tower.

Church of St John the Baptist, The Green, Village, NN2 6QD Tricker’s Shoe Factory, 56 St. Michaels Road, NN1 3JX Friday and Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 2pm – 6pm Friday 10.30am Visitors can explore the history and architecture of this beautiful For 180 years Tricker’s shoes have been handmade in medieval church, which dates back in parts to the 11th century. Northampton. Throughout the company’s history, it has This year there will be an exhibition of a chained library remained a family business and is run by the same family. Take collection, old church documents and architect drawings an hour-long tour of the original, working factory to see how from 19th century Victorian restoration of the church to view. and where these famous shoes are made. Now fully booked. Refreshments available in the Chapter House.

Church of St Mary Blessed Virgin, High Street, Great Houghton, NN4 7NX Saturday 10am – 5pm , NN1 1UH Take a wander round this handsome Georgian church, built in 1754, Friday – 30-minute guided tours available which has a notable landmark steeple and fine modern stained Visitors will get the chance to take a guided tour round the award- glass windows. The church is normally only open for services and winning house, which is the only property outside Scotland special events. An art exhibition will also be taking place. designed by the famous Glaswegian architect and designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Tours will take place at timed intervals and visitors will get the chance to see fascinating artefacts Church of St Peter and St Paul, , Park and read plenty of information on both Mackintosh and Bassett- Avenue South, NN3 3AB Lowke. Pre-booking is required by calling 01604 603407. Friday and Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 12 noon – 4pm An ancient village church in the centre of Abington Park, with parts dating back to the 12th century, extensively rebuilt after 1823. The church boasts a fine interior with beautiful carvings and stained glass, including a stunning John Piper window. Shakespeare’s granddaughter rests in a burial vault beneath the side chapel.

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Friends of Kingsthorpe Pocket Park, Kingsthorpe New Jeyes of Earls Barton - Celebrating Northamptonshire’s Churchyard, Vicarage Lane, NN2 6QD People, Places and Trades, Jeyes Chemists, 26-28 The Saturday 10am – 2pm Square, Earls Barton, NN6 0NA Friday and Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm The Friends of Kingsthorpe Pocket Park have established a natural yet not overgrown green space in this old graveyard known A once traditional chemist shop is now an Aladdin’s cave full of gifts, as Kingsthorpe New Churchyard. It is an area of peace an award winning coffee shop and various fascinating and award and tranquillity - a secret garden. There will be a plant stall and winning exhibitions, including the Jeyes Heritage & Pharmacy activities for children. Museum and the Earls Barton Museum of Village Life. On Monday 16 September, the official opening celebrations will take place for Farmstead, Harksome Hill, NN4 9QX Heritage at Jeyes - Celebrating Northamptonshire’s People, Sunday 12 noon – 3pm Places & Trades- this will be a fantastic day packed full of heritage events for all the family, including talks at 11am about the Victorian The Hunsbury Hill Centre is a Grade II listed farm complex Jeyes brothers, and at 12 noon about ‘Boss in Boots,’ the original consisting of a large farmhouse, several barns and outbuildings Kinky Boots story. Further events will take place throughout the and a labourer’s cottage, standing in 13 acres of woods and week. Please contact [email protected] or call 01604 810289 grounds. Built in 1776, it is an excellent example of a model farm. to book your place on a talk. Visitors will be able to take tours of the site every half hour and find out about the exciting plans for developing the site. Queen and the 1460 Battle of Northampton site, London Road, NN4 8AX Hunsbury Iron Age Hill Fort, Hunsbury Hill Country Park, Saturday and Sunday 11am – 3pm, with tours on the hour Hunsbury Hill Road, NN4 9UW Saturday and Sunday 11am – 5pm Northampton’s Queen Eleanor Cross is one of only three to survive out of the 12 originally built by King Edward I in memory This important archaeological site and Scheduled Ancient of his wife, Eleanor of Castile. The crosses mark the nightly resting Monument dates to between the 7th and 4th centuries BC. The place of her funeral cortege from Harby, near Lincoln, to London internal rampart appears to have been burnt down and vitrified in 1290. The story of the 1460 Battle of Northampton will then be and such forts are rare in . A successful Heritage Lottery told at the nearby battlefield site. bid submitted by the Friends of Parks means that efforts have now started to preserve this important part of Northampton’s heritage.

Hunsbury Hill Railway Trust, Ironstone Railway Museum, Upton Hall and St Michael’s Church, Upton Hall, Upton Hunsbury Hill Road, NN4 9UW Lane, NN5 4UX Saturday and Sunday 10.30am - 3.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 1.30pm

A fine example of one the many small industrial railway lines An opportunity to tour the grade I Listed Upton Hall, built in 1600 that were once commonplace powering the Great British and now home to the Quinton House School. Visit the beautiful Empire. The site gives an overview of ironstone quarrying in the ballroom, the secret ‘Monks Room’ in the attic, and the grade I Hunsbury area, with displays of the types of equipment used in listed St Michael’s Church, which contains a handsome chest tomb the transport and extraction of the ironstone. Visitors will also of the Knightley family, who lived in the hall during the 15th century. find a café, gardens and a 1.5 mile heritage railway line that runs through the surrounding country park.

8 #HODs www.heritageopendays.org.uk 9 Out of Town Venues Other Activites

Royal Ordnance Depot, Harmans Way, Weedon Bec, NN7 4PS Heritage Bus Services, leaving from George Row, Friday 10am – 4pm (no tours), Saturday 10am – 4pm with tours at 11am Northampton and 2.30pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm, with tours at 11am and 2.30pm Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5pm

The Royal Ordnance Depot dates back to the Napoleonic wars and Enjoy a free ride on a classic heritage bus, linking most of the was active until the 1960s. Originally housing the central small-arms participating venues. Buses depart from the heritage bus stop on depot for the British Army, it was served by a working canal which George Row. Please note that as these are older vehicles they are runs through the site. The depot is now home to independent traders, NOT easy to access and cannot usually carry wheelchairs, buggies artists and a new visitor centre. Take a tour of the site and enjoy tea and pushchairs. It may be possible to carry some folded items but and cake from the Booksmith Café. this cannot be guaranteed. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. See next pages for timetables. St Andrews Church, Church Walk, Great Billing, NN3 9EE Friday, Saturday, Sunday - various times Leather in Shakespeare exhibition, 35 Princes Walk, The Take a tour to learn about the village and church history back to , NN1 2EL the 12th century. View a unique monument by the sculptor Bushnell, Saturday 10am – 4pm professionally described as ‘grotesque’. The National Leather Collection presents an exhibition entitled Friday 6.30 - 8.30pm: jazz and hot drinks, bring your own picnic and ‘Leather in Shakespeare’, which pairs objects from the museum’s tour the church historic collection with leather-related lines from Shakespeare’s plays Saturday 9am – 5pm: tours of the church with refreshments 5pm – to demonstrate their true meaning. As we celebrate Shakespeare’s 6pm: lecture on the history of the church and the village 6pm – 9pm: 403rd death-aversary this year, join us for a second look at the Fish and Chip supper and quiz (ticketed call Dom on 07903 808104 Bard’s works, kid’s trails, crafting and more! to book) Sunday 10.30am: Celebration service 2pm – 5pm: family fun afternoon and historical treasure hunts Northampton Heritage Fair, Abington Park Museum, around the church and village Abington Park, NN1 5LW Saturday 11am – 4pm St Luke’s Church, Main Road, , NN5 6JB A variety of local history and heritage groups will come together Saturday 10am – 4pm and Sunday 2pm – 4pm for just one day to showcase their work to the public. Abington Park Museum is also open from 1pm – 5pm. This grade I listed building St Luke’s is an early monastic church built around 1113. The fabric was once home to Shakespeare’s granddaughter and contains and font date from the 12th century, with 13th century additions and exhibitions on military, social history, natural science, Egyptology a substantial extension in the 14th century. and costume, plus the new Abington Galleries.

St Matthew’s Church, Kettering Road, Kingsley, NN2 7HF Northamptonshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, Friday 12 noon – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm and Sunday Denton Village Hall, Denton, NN7 1HT 12 noon – 4pm Saturday 10.30am – 3.30pm Visit this Victorian-built, Gothic-inspired church erected (1891–4) Textiles have played a major role in Northamptonshire’s history and in memory of brewer and MP, Pickering Phipps, Home to the this guild exists to these crafts alive. Join the friendly guild world-famous Madonna and Child statue by Henry Moore and members at Denton Village Hall throughout the day, come and find Crucifixion painting by Graham Sutherland, plus a modern statue out how to spin and weave, or simply enjoy some of the delicious of St Matthew by Ian Rank-Broadley. The church also houses a fair refreshments on offer. manual organ built by Walker & Sons in 1895.

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Northampton Suffragettes Walking Tour, Cancer Research, Route H1 - Northern Circular 3 The Parade, NN1 2EA Saturday 11.30am, Sunday 11.30am and 2pm Saturday Sunday George Row 1030 1130 1230 1330 1430 1530 1205 1305 1405 1505 1545 Learn about the famous suffragettes who campaigned in Abington Square 1035 1135 1235 1335 1435 1535 - - - - - Northampton, and the local men and women who supported them. Stop A1 A mainly outdoor walking tour, visiting streets, squares and buildings Kettering Road 1050 1150 1250 1350 1450 1550 1220 1230 1420 1520 1600 in Northampton town centre where they met and campaigned. Tour St Matthews Church takes 45 - 60 minutes and is just over half a mile, starting at the Kingsthorpe Road 1058 1158 1258 1358 1458 1558 - - 1428 1528 1608 Cancer Research shop on the Market Square. Swift Electricals Sheep Street 1103 1203 1303 1403 1503 1603 1230 1330 1433 1533 11613 Holy Sepulchre Boat Trips with Crusader Community George Row 1108 1208 1308 1408 1508 1608 1235 1335 1438 1538 1618 Boating, , NN7 3RZ Leaves from canal bridge on the Towcester Road / High Street junction, Blisworth Saturday and Sunday 10am and 2pm Route H2 - Southern Circular These trips will repeat on the 21 and 22 September Saturday Sunday A boat trip lasting approximately two hours, with commentary to George Row 945 1045 1145 1245 1345 1445 1545 1045 1145 1245 1345 1445 1545 cover the history and industry of the Grand Union Canal around London Road 955 1055 1155 1255 1355 1455 1555 1055 1155 1255 1355 1455 1555 Blisworth village, including the tunnel, connection branch Queen Eleanor Cross Hardingstone 959 1059 1159 1259 1359 1459 1559 1059 1159 1259 1359 1459 1559 and surroundings. Trips must be booked in advance by emailing Opp. the Church [email protected] Hunsbury Hill Rd. - 1109 1209 1309 1409 1509 1609 1109 1209 1309 1 409 1509 1609 St Benedict’s Church Duston Main Road - - - 1319 1419 1519 1619 - - - 1419 1519 1619 St Luke’s Church Marefair - - - 1329 1429 1529 1629 - - - 1429 1529 1629 Opp. St Peter’s Church George Row 1015 1125 1225 1334 1434 1534 1634 1125 1225 1325 1434 1534 1634

Route H3 - Duston Circular Saturday H2 H2 H2 Sunday

George Row 910 955 1055 1155 1255 1345 1445 1545 Mare Fair - 1000 1100 1200 1300 - - - St Peter’s Church Duston Main Road - 1015 1115 1215 1315 1419 1519 1619 St Luke’s Church Sorry, no Sunday Upton 925 1 025 1125 1225 1325 - - - Service Quinton House arrive Upton 925 1035 1135 1235 1335 - - - Quinton House depart Mare Fair 935 1045 1145 1245 1345 1429 1529 1629 Opp. St Peter’s Church George Row 940 1050 1150 1250 1350 1434 1534 1634 Note: H2 indicates Service H2 running via Hardingstone and Hunsbury to Duston.

12 #HODs www.heritageopendays.org.uk 13 Bus Timetables Bus Timetables

Route H5 - Great Billing and Earls Barton Route H8 - Short Tours

Saturday Sunday Sunday George Row 1015 1115 1215 1315 1415 1515 1545 1020 1120 1220 1320 1420 1520 George Row 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 Abington Square 1020 1120 1220 1320 1420 1520 1550 ------Stop A1 Route H9 - Blisworth and Weedon Park Avenur South - 1130 1230 1330 1430 1530 1600 1035 1135 1235 1335 1435 - Old bus layby Great Billing Turn 1035 1140 1240 1340 1440 1540 1610 - - - 1345 1445 1540 Saturday Sunday Bus stop 930 1330 930 1130 1330 Earls Barton 1050 1155 1255 1355 1455 1555 1625 1055 1155 1255 1400 1500 1555 George Row Outside Church Blisworth 955 1355 955 1155 1355 Outside the Church Weedon Earls Barton 1050 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1630 1100 1200 1300 1 400 1 500 1600 1030 1430 - - 1430 Outisde Church Royal Ordnance Depot AB AB AB AB Great Billing Turn 1110 1220 1320 1420 1520 1620 1650 - - - 1420 1520 1620 Bus Stop Weedon Royal Ordnance Depot 1130 1530 - - 1530 Park Avenue South 1125 1235 1335 1435 1535 1635 - 1135 1235 1335 1435 1535 - Old Bus Layby Blisworth 1200 1600 955 1200 1600 Outside the Church Abington Square 1132 1242 1342 1442 1542 1642 1707 ------Stop A3 (outside Transylvanya) George Row 1230 1630 1020 1230 1630 George Row 1137 1247 1347 1447 1547 1647 1712 1145 1245 1345 1445 1545 1645 Note: AB = awaits boat trip passengers at Blisworth

Route H6 - Great Houghton and Denton

Saturday Sunday 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 - 1110 1210 1310 1410 1510

1015 1120 1220 1320 1420 1520

1023 1128 1228 1328 1428 1 528 Sorry, no Sunday 1030 1130 1230 1330 1430 1530 Service

1043 1143 1243 1343 1443 1543 - 1150 1250 1350 1450 1550 1055 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600

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