Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire is centrally located in England, surrounded by eight other counties. Once known as the hunting county of “spires and squires” there are many stately homes and historic buildings to visit in the rolling countryside, which is also home to number of motorsport teams and venues.

Find out more

Northamptonshire Overview

Welcome to Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire is centrally located in England and has eight neighbouring counties – Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire – where it shares the UK’s shortest county boundary of just 20 yards, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire.

Northamptonshire has a population of around 750,000 people. The county town is Northampton with other large populations at Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, Rushden and Daventry.

History

The Romans settled in Northamptonshire and Lactodorum, now Towcester was an important site in the region. The Roman Road, Watling Street, also passed through the county.

Industrialisation took place in the in the 18^th and 19^th centuries spawning a booming boot, shoe and leather making industry – indeed the county’s football team, Northampton Town are known as the Cobblers. The early 20^th century saw Corby develop as a centre of the steel industry, though the county remains largely rural in nature.

Today visitors to Northamptonshire can explore the countryside, inland waterways and many historic buildings in the county.

Getting There

Northamptonshire is readily accessible by road – the M1 runs through the county from north to south, whilst the main A roads include the A14 and A43.

The county is well served by train with both the West Coast Main Line and Midland Main Line operating in Northamptonshire and direct services operates into London St. Pancras.