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www.heritageopendays.org.ukwww.heritageopendays.org.uk

Coordinated by Northampton Borough Council and supported by Northampton Town Centre BID.

Further information about all participating venues can be found at www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Northampton Heritage Open Days 2019

@heritageopenday@heritageopenday /heritageopendays/heritageopendays @heritageopendays@heritageopendays

Friday 13 – Sunday 15 September

St Peter’s Church

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Welcome to Heritage Open Days in Northampton

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Town Centre Venues

Heritage Open Days is a national event co-ordinated locally by Northampton Borough Council and run by volunteers who kindly give their time and expertise. It’s your chance to see historic places and try out new experiences in and around the town – and best of all, it’s completely FREE.

This year’s event is extra special, as it marks 25 years since the start of National Heritage Open Days, and Northampton has taken part every single year! Heritage Open Days in Northampton will run between Friday 13 and Sunday 15 September, but some venues and attractions will remain open from 16 – 22 September as part of the extended National Heritage Open Days.

A classic bus service will offer free rides between many venues on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 between 9am and 5pm. A timetable is included at the back of this booklet and will be 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.

This booklet gives an overview of each venue taking part, but more information, including accessibility, parking, booking details and on-site facilities can be found at www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

Please note that changes to entries may have been made after this booklet went to print, so it is best to check the website before making your visit. Northampton Borough Council accept no responsibility for changes or outdated entries.

All Saints’ Church, George Row, NorthamptonFriday, Saturday 9am – 6pm and Sunday 12 noon to 6pm (services at 8am and 10.30am)

Built in 1680 in the Wren style, the church replaces the larger 11th century building which was destroyed in the 1675 Great Fire of Northampton. Following the fire, King Charles II gave 1,000 tonnes of timber from his Royal forests at Salcey and Rockingham to help re-build the church and his statue sits above the carved portico to commemorate this donation.

Engine Shed: Northampton’s Guerrilla Army and Home Guard, University of Northampton, University Drive, NN1 5PHSaturday 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 Northamptonshire 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.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Sheep Street, NN1 2LY Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday 12 noon- 4pm

The building is a rare Norman church with medieval additions and one of only four remaining round churches in the UK. Built by the First Earl of Northampton, Simon de Senlis in 1100AD after his return from the Crusades, and modelled on its namesake church in Jerusalem. The Soldiers’ Chapel, full of militaria, is especially impressive following a £40k conservation project. Experienced tour guides will be on hand throughout the day.

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Guildhall, St Giles’ Square, NN1 1DESunday 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 dayfinal tour at 3pm

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Town Centre Venues Town Centre Venues

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Northampton Magistrates Court ‘Have Your Day in Court’, Campbell Square, NN1 3EBSaturday 10am – 4pm

The doors of Northampton Magistrates Court will be open to the public to see how justice is done, how cases are progressed through the court and how judgements and sentences are made. Visitors will have an opportunity to take part in a mock trial and sentencing experience and take a tour of the court cell. There will be information on the history of the court and how one hundred years of female magistrates have influenced the judiciary.

Northampton & County Club, George Row, NN1 1DF Saturday and Sunday, tours at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm

Take a guided tour of this Grade II* listed building with medieval vaulted cellars, 17th century staircase, 18th century rooms and fine Victorian billiard room. Site of former Northampton Infirmary, now a member’s club. Light refreshments and hot meals available. Tours last approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and must be pre-booked by calling 01604 632962.

Northampton Castle site and its environs tour, St Peter’s Church, Mare Fair, NN1 1SR Friday, Saturday and Sunday, tours at 11am

Visit the site of Northampton’s lost castle, which had a rich and eventful history over several centuries, when it often functioned as the centre of a kingdom. The walk will start at the Norman Church of St Peter’s, and take in Saxon history in the area, as well as many tales from Norman and Plantagenet history. Walk takes approximately 75 minutes.

Old Savoy Cinema (Deco Theatre), Abington Square, NN1 4AEFriday and Saturday 10am - 4pmAlso open 19, 20, 21 September 10am – 4pm

The Deco Theatre first opened in 1936 as ‘the Savoy’ and is a hidden gem designed in the International Modernistic style by WR Glen. All the main features are still in place and have been sympathetically renovated, including an impressive 1,000 seat auditorium. It is host to a wide variety of shows, a Christmas pantomime, and many training events.

Northamptonshire Natural History Society, 10 Castilian Terrace, NN1 1LDSaturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm

The society, founded 1876, is dedicated to the natural history, environmental and scientific aspects of Northamptonshire, offering a variety of information and experiences on topics including botany, meteorology, astronomy and zoology. Bring along a leaf or insect to view through our microscopes and weather permitting, look through our special telescopes to see the sun safely.

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Hazelrigg House, 33 Mare Fair, Northampton NN1 1SRSaturday 14 September 3.30pm, Saturday 21 September 3.30pm, Sunday 22 September 12.30pm

The Looking Glass Theatre will take you on 40-minute guided tour of this grade II listed Tudor house, which is one of town’s oldest domestic buildings, built in approximately 1570. It is one of the few structures which survived the Great Fire of Northampton in 1675.A ‘Hidden Secrets’ mystery tour will also take place on Sunday 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

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Town Centre Venues

St Peter’s Church, Mare Fair, NN1 1SUFriday 10.30am – 3pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 3pm

First built in its current form around 1130, this is the second oldest building in Northampton. A very fine example of Norman architecture, including the Norman arches inside. Dr William Smith, the father of English Geology, is buried in the churchyard and the church contains a piece of carved stone, reckoned to be the lid of a reliquary of St Ragnar, the nephew of King Edmund who was martyred by the Danes in 870AD.

78 Derngate, NN1 1UH Friday – 30-minute guided tours available

Visitors will get the chance to take a guided tour round the award-winning house, which is the only property outside Scotland designed by the famous Glaswegian Art Deco architect and designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Tours will take place at timed intervals and visitors will get the chance to see fascinating artefacts and read plenty of information on both Mackintosh and Bassett-Lowke. Pre-booking is required by calling 01604 603407.

Tricker’s Shoe Factory, 56 St. Michaels Road, NN1 3JX Friday 10.30am

For 180 years Tricker’s shoes have been handmade in Northampton. Throughout the company’s history, it has remained a family business and is run by the same family. Take an hour-long tour of the original, working factory to see how and where these famous shoes are made. Now fully booked.

Out of Town Venues

Church of St Edmund King and Martyr, High Street, Hardingstone, NN4 6BZ Friday and Saturday 9am - 5pm with tours at 10.30am and 3pm, Sunday 9am - 5pm with a tour at 3pm. The church is also open from 16 – 22 September

Following the dissolution of the monasteries, this 13th century, grade II* parish church became the burial place of the Tate, Clarke and Bouverie, families who lived at Delapre Abbey and contains many 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 Mary Blessed Virgin, High Street, Great Houghton, NN4 7NXSaturday 10am – 5pm

Take a wander round this handsome Georgian church, built in 1754, which has a notable landmark steeple and fine modern stained glass windows. The church is normally only open for services and special events. An art exhibition will also be taking place.

Church of St John the Baptist, The Green, Kingsthorpe Village, NN2 6QD Friday and Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 2pm – 6pm

Visitors can explore the history and architecture of this beautiful medieval church, which dates back in parts to the 11th century. This year there will be an exhibition of a chained library collection, old church documents and architect drawings from 19th century Victorian restoration of the church to view. Refreshments available in the Chapter House.

Church of St Peter and St Paul, Abington Park, Park Avenue South, NN3 3ABFriday 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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Out of Town Venues Out of Town Venues

Friends of Kingsthorpe Pocket Park, Kingsthorpe New Churchyard, Vicarage Lane, NN2 6QD Saturday 10am – 2pm

The Friends of Kingsthorpe Pocket Park have established a natural yet not overgrown green space in this old graveyard known as Kingsthorpe New Churchyard. It is an area of peace and tranquillity - a secret garden. There will be a plant stall and activities for children.

Jeyes of Earls Barton - Celebrating Northamptonshire’s People, Places and Trades, Jeyes Chemists, 26-28 The Square, Earls Barton, NN6 0NAFriday and Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm

A once traditional chemist shop is now an Aladdin’s cave full of gifts, an award winning coffee shop and various fascinating and award winning exhibitions, including the Jeyes Heritage & Pharmacy Museum and the Earls Barton Museum of Village Life. On Monday 16 September, the official opening celebrations will take place for Heritage at Jeyes - Celebrating Northamptonshire’s People, Places & Trades- this will be a fantastic day packed full of heritage events for all the family, including talks at 11am about the Victorian Jeyes brothers, and at 12 noon about ‘Boss in Boots,’ the original Kinky Boots story. Further events will take place throughout the week. Please contact annajeyes@yahoo.com or call 01604 810289 to book your place on a talk.

Hunsbury Iron Age Hill Fort, Hunsbury Hill Country Park, Hunsbury Hill Road, NN4 9UWSaturday and Sunday 11am – 5pm

This important archaeological site and Scheduled Ancient Monument dates to between the 7th and 4th centuries BC. The internal rampart appears to have been burnt down and vitrified and such forts are rare in England. A successful Heritage Lottery bid submitted by the Friends of West Hunsbury Parks means that efforts have now started to preserve this important part of Northampton’s heritage.

Upton Hall and St Michael’s Church, Upton Hall, Upton Lane, NN5 4UXSaturday 9.30am - 1.30pm

An opportunity to tour the grade I Listed Upton Hall, built in 1600 and now home to the Quinton House School. Visit the beautiful ballroom, the secret ‘Monks Room’ in the attic, and the grade I listed St Michael’s Church, which contains a handsome chest tomb of the Knightley family, who lived in the hall during the 15th century.

Hunsbury Hill Farmstead, Harksome Hill, NN4 9QXSunday 12 noon – 3pm

The Hunsbury Hill Centre is a Grade II listed farm complex consisting of a large farmhouse, several barns and outbuildings and a labourer’s cottage, standing in 13 acres of woods and grounds. Built in 1776, it is an excellent example of a model farm. 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 Eleanor Cross and the 1460 Battle of Northampton site, London Road, NN4 8AXSaturday and Sunday 11am – 3pm, with tours on the hour

Northampton’s Queen Eleanor Cross is one of only three to survive out of the 12 originally built by King Edward I in memory of his wife, Eleanor of Castile. The crosses mark the nightly resting place of her funeral cortege from Harby, near Lincoln, to London in 1290. The story of the 1460 Battle of Northampton will then be told at the nearby battlefield site.

Hunsbury Hill Railway Trust, Ironstone Railway Museum, Hunsbury Hill Road, NN4 9UW Saturday and Sunday 10.30am - 3.30pm

A fine example of one the many small industrial railway lines that were once commonplace powering the Great British Empire. The site gives an overview of ironstone quarrying in the Hunsbury area, with displays of the types of equipment used in the transport and extraction of the ironstone. Visitors will also find a café, gardens and a 1.5 mile heritage railway line that runs through the surrounding country park.

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Out of Town Venues Other Activites

Royal Ordnance Depot, Harmans Way, Weedon Bec, NN7 4PS Friday 10am – 4pm (no tours), Saturday 10am – 4pm with tours at 11am and 2.30pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm, with tours at 11am and 2.30pm

The Royal Ordnance Depot dates back to the Napoleonic wars and was active until the 1960s. Originally housing the central small-arms depot for the British Army, it was served by a working canal which runs through the site. The depot is now home to independent traders, artists and a new visitor centre. Take a tour of the site and enjoy tea and cake from the Booksmith Café.

Heritage Bus Services, leaving from George Row, Northampton Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5pm

Enjoy a free ride on a classic heritage bus, linking most of the participating venues. Buses depart from the heritage bus stop on George Row. Please note that as these are older vehicles they are NOT easy to access and cannot usually carry wheelchairs, buggies and pushchairs. It may be possible to carry some folded items but this cannot be guaranteed. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. See next pages for timetables.

St Luke’s Church, Main Road, Duston, NN5 6JBSaturday 10am – 4pm and Sunday 2pm – 4pm

St Luke’s is an early monastic church built around 1113. The fabric and font date from the 12th century, with 13th century additions and a substantial extension in the 14th century.

Northampton Heritage Fair, Abington Park Museum, Abington Park, NN1 5LW Saturday 11am – 4pm

A variety of local history and heritage groups will come together 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 was once home to Shakespeare’s granddaughter and contains exhibitions on military, social history, natural science, Egyptology and costume, plus the new Abington Galleries.

St Andrews Church, Church Walk, Great Billing, NN3 9EE Friday, Saturday, Sunday - various times

Take a tour to learn about the village and church history back to the 12th century. View a unique monument by the sculptor Bushnell, professionally described as ‘grotesque’.Friday 6.30 - 8.30pm: jazz and hot drinks, bring your own picnic and tour the churchSaturday 9am – 5pm: tours of the church with refreshments 5pm – 6pm: lecture on the history of the church and the village 6pm – 9pm: Fish and Chip supper and quiz (ticketed call Dom on 07903 808104 to book)Sunday 10.30am: Celebration service 2pm – 5pm: family fun afternoon and historical treasure hunts around the church and village

Leather in Shakespeare exhibition, 35 Princes Walk, The Grosvenor Centre, NN1 2EL Saturday 10am – 4pm

The National Leather Collection presents an exhibition entitled ‘Leather in Shakespeare’, which pairs objects from the museum’s historic collection with leather-related lines from Shakespeare’s plays to demonstrate their true meaning. As we celebrate Shakespeare’s 403rd death-aversary this year, join us for a second look at the Bard’s works, kid’s trails, crafting and more!

Northamptonshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, Denton Village Hall, Denton, NN7 1HTSaturday 10.30am – 3.30pm

Textiles have played a major role in Northamptonshire’s history and this guild exists to keeps these crafts alive. Join the friendly guild members at Denton Village Hall throughout the day, come and find out how to spin and weave, or simply enjoy some of the delicious refreshments on offer.

St Matthew’s Church, Kettering Road, Kingsley, NN2 7HFFriday 12 noon – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm and Sunday 12 noon – 4pm

Visit this Victorian-built, Gothic-inspired church erected (1891–4) in memory of brewer and MP, Pickering Phipps, Home to the world-famous Madonna and Child statue by Henry Moore and Crucifixion painting by Graham Sutherland, plus a modern statue of St Matthew by Ian Rank-Broadley. The church also houses a fair manual organ built by Walker & Sons in 1895.

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Out of Town Venues

Northampton Suffragettes Walking Tour, Cancer Research, 3 The Parade, NN1 2EA Saturday 11.30am, Sunday 11.30am and 2pm

Learn about the famous suffragettes who campaigned in Northampton, and the local men and women who supported them. A mainly outdoor walking tour, visiting streets, squares and buildings in Northampton town centre where they met and campaigned. Tour takes 45 - 60 minutes and is just over half a mile, starting at the Cancer Research shop on the Market Square.

Grand Union Canal Boat Trips with Crusader Community Boating, Blisworth, NN7 3RZLeaves from canal bridge on the Towcester Road / High Street junction, Blisworth Saturday and Sunday 10am and 2pmThese trips will repeat on the 21 and 22 September

A boat trip lasting approximately two hours, with commentary to cover the history and industry of the Grand Union Canal around Blisworth village, including the tunnel, River Nene connection branch and surroundings. Trips must be booked in advance by emailing boat-manager@crusadercommunityboating.org.uk

Route H1 - Northern Circular

Route H2 - Southern Circular

Route H3 - Duston Circular

Bus Timetables

Saturday Sunday

George RowLondon RoadQueen Eleanor CrossHardingstoneOpp. the ChurchHunsbury Hill Rd.St Benedict’s ChurchDuston Main RoadSt Luke’s ChurchMarefairOpp. St Peter’s ChurchGeorge Row

945 1045 1145 1245 1345 1445 1545 1045 1145 1245 1345 1445 1545955 1055 1155 1255 1355 1455 1555 1055 1155 1255 1355 1455 1555

959 1059 1159 1259 1359 1459 1559 1059 1159 1259 1359 1459 1559

- 1109 1209 1309 1409 1509 1609 1109 1209 1309 1 409 1509 1609 - - - 1319 1419 1519 1619 - - - 1419 1519 1619 - - - 1329 1429 1529 1629 - - - 1429 1529 16291015 1125 1225 1334 1434 1534 1634 1125 1225 1325 1434 1534 1634

George RowAbington SquareStop A1Kettering RoadSt Matthews ChurchKingsthorpe RoadSwift ElectricalsSheep StreetHoly SepulchreGeorge Row

1030 1130 1230 1330 1430 1530 1205 1305 1405 1505 15451035 1135 1235 1335 1435 1535 - - - - -

1050 1150 1250 1350 1450 1550 1220 1230 1420 1520 1600

1058 1158 1258 1358 1458 1558 - - 1428 1528 1608

1103 1203 1303 1403 1503 1603 1230 1330 1433 1533 1613

1108 1208 1308 1408 1508 1608 1235 1335 1438 1538 1618

Saturday Sunday

Note: H2 indicates Service H2 running via Hardingstone and Hunsbury to Duston.

Saturday H2 H2 H2 Sunday

George RowMare FairSt Peter’s ChurchDuston Main RoadSt Luke’s ChurchUptonQuinton House arriveUptonQuinton House departMare FairOpp. St Peter’s ChurchGeorge Row

Sorry, no SundayService

910 955 1055 1155 1255 1345 1445 1545 - 1000 1100 1200 1300 - - -

- 1015 1115 1215 1315 1419 1519 1619

925 1 025 1125 1225 1325 - - - 925 1035 1135 1235 1335 - - - 935 1045 1145 1245 1345 1429 1529 1629940 1050 1150 1250 1350 1434 1534 1634

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1015 1115 1215 1315 1415 1515 1545 1020 1120 1220 1320 1420 15201020 1120 1220 1320 1420 1520 1550 - - - - - -

- 1130 1230 1330 1430 1530 1600 1035 1135 1235 1335 1435 -

1035 1140 1240 1340 1440 1540 1610 - - - 1345 1445 1540

1050 1155 1255 1355 1455 1555 1625 1055 1155 1255 1400 1500 1555

1050 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1630 1100 1200 1300 1 400 1 500 1600

1110 1220 1320 1420 1520 1620 1650 - - - 1420 1520 1620

1125 1235 1335 1435 1535 1635 - 1135 1235 1335 1435 1535 -

1132 1242 1342 1442 1542 1642 1707 - - - - - -

1137 1247 1347 1447 1547 1647 1712 1145 1245 1345 1445 1545 1645

Saturday SundayGeorge RowAbington SquareStop A1Park Avenur SouthOld bus laybyGreat Billing TurnBus stopEarls BartonOutside Church

Earls BartonOutisde ChurchGreat Billing TurnBus StopPark Avenue SouthOld Bus LaybyAbington SquareStop A3 (outside Transylvanya)

George Row

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Bus Timetables Bus Timetables

Route H5 - Great Billing and Earls Barton

Route H6 - Great Houghton and Denton

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

1015 1120 1220 1320 1420 1520

1023 1128 1228 1328 1428 1 528

1030 1130 1230 1330 1430 1530

1043 1143 1243 1343 1443 1543

- 1150 1250 1350 1450 1550

1055 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600

Saturday Sunday

Sorry, no SundayService

Route H8 - Short Tours

Route H9 - Blisworth and Weedon

Sunday

George Row 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600

Saturday Sunday

George RowBlisworthOutside the ChurchWeedonRoyal Ordnance Depot

WeedonRoyal Ordnance DepotBlisworthOutside the ChurchGeorge RowNote: AB = awaits boat trip passengers at Blisworth

930 1330955 1355

1030 1430

AB AB 1130 1530

1200 1600 1230 1630

930 1130 1330 955 1155 1355

- - 1430 AB AB - - 1530

955 1200 1600 1020 1230 1630

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