Northampton is situated in the East Midlands of England and is primarily a market town. It is the third largest town in the country with a population of just under 200,000. Development of the town began in the 1960’s, initiating with the construction of a new bus station and shopping centre. To accompany this, flats and hotels were built to accommodate the growing town in its transformation process.
In earlier years Northampton, was known for its booming shoe industry, which is beautifully illustrated in the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. The museum looks at the history behind the towns globally recognised shoe industry and the processes involved in shoe making. Visitors are able to look at the changes in shoe manufacturing and the adaptations that have been made throughout the last 100 years. Here you can also view a wide range of paintings and ceramics in the Art Gallery alongside a diverse range of exhibitions.
For a more cultural view of the town, you can visit Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens for amazing garden landscapes. It was built in 1702 and has recently been through a severe restoration programme resulting in magnificent varieties of specimen trees and fine old cedars. Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens has received and been nominated for many awards including “Winner of the Historic Houses Association/Christie s Garden of the Year Award”.
The Cottesbrooke Hall and house itself showcases 18th century French and English traditional furniture. You can find displays of porcelain which is finely demonstrated in the Dining Room, Library and other areas within the house The focal point in the building is the Woolavington Collection that has an excellent collection of sporting paintings and is widely known not only in England, but recognised throughout Europe.
From an architectural point of view, the Northampton Guildhall is a sight worth visiting. It is operational in present day, used by councillors or for conference hiring, marriage receptions and various other functions. The hall takes part annually, each summer in the Heritage Weekend where visitors can go inside and explore the many rooms within the building. This is a chance to see the cells from centuries ago that were made to accompany the Court Room.
For theatre productions, visitors can go to the Royal & Derngate Theatre which has gone through huge redevelopment changes costing £15 million. The theatre has a variety of programmes available including live stand up comedy, and classical music, opera performers, and shows for smaller children. Visitors are also able to experience things for themselves as they can become part of performing and writing. Many people from all over the country visit the Royal & Derngate as it is home to many famous names and has an impressive audience of 350,000.
Located in the heart of Northampton is its shopping centre, Grosvenor Centre which has up to 60 high end retail stores such as New Look, House of Fraser, BH, Boots, WHS, Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Monsoon and many other sought after brands. The shopping centre is open every day of the week including bank holiday Mondays.
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