What is the history of Northampton?
Early history Remains have been found in the Northampton area dating back to the Iron Age. It is believed that farming settlement began in the Northampton area in around the 7th century. By the 8th century it had become an administrative centre for the kingdom of Mercia. The pre-Norman town was known as Hamtun and was quite small, occupying only some 60 acres. Medieval Northampton The town became significant in the 11th century, when the Normans built town walls and a large castle under the the stewardship of the Norman duke, Simon de Senlis. The original defence line of the walls is preserved in today’s street pattern (Bridge St, The Drapery, Bearward St & Scarletwell Lane). The town grew rapidly after the Normans arrived, and beyond the early defences. By the time of the Domesday Book, the town had a population of about 1500 residents, living in 300 houses. The town and its castle were important in the early 12th century and the King often held Court in the town. During his famous fa
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
[edit] History [edit] Early history Remains have been found in the Northampton area dating back to the Iron Age. It is believed that farming settlement began in the Northampton area in around the 7th century. By the 8th century it had become an administrative centre for the kingdom of Mercia. The pre-Norman town was known as Hamtun and was quite small, occupying only some 60 acres. [edit] Medieval Northampton The town became significant in the 11th century, when the Normans built town walls and a large castle under the the stewardship of the Norman duke, Simon de Senlis. The original defence line of the walls is preserved in today’s street pattern (Bridge St, The Drapery, Bearward St & Scarletwell Lane). The town grew rapidly after the Normans arrived, and beyond the early defences. By the time of the Domesday Book, the town had a population of about 1500 residents, living in 300 houses. The town and its castle were important in the early 12th century and the King often held Court in t
