Northamptonshire Tourist Guide - Articles
Northamptonshire History
From the early era of the Romans, Saxons and Danes to The Middle Ages and finally to the contemporary and tourist-friendly infrastructure and appearance it has today, the Northamptonshire history can be traced through a myriad of important events and landmarks that form an important part of history of England as a whole.
Overall, Northamptonshire has seen a major metamorphosis from the yesteryears vis-à-vis the present, in political, geographical and even financial terms.
Northamptonshire History – The Stages
To begin with, the history of Northamptonshire can be traced from as early as Pre 43 AD, often referred to as the pre-history stage. Though there are a lesser number of documented details available, the likes of the Circa 2000 BC Bronze age settlements show evidence of pottery and light weapons scattered at different points in the county.
Moving on, it was the time of Romans to dominate the region from 43 AD to 410 AD, though the county was not a very important military Roman location. The baton further went on to the Saxons who reigned until the Normans arrived in 1066, shortly after the Danes. The biggest legacy left by the Saxons was in the form of Saxon village names and monuments such as the Saxon church tower, now known as Earls Barton.
All along the history of Northamptonshire, it was the Normans who have truly left their mark on the Northamptonshire architecture, being immensely famous for their churches and the like. Besides, in this era, Simon de Senlis (de St. Lis) was also appointed as the Earl of Northampton, under whose control major development and prosperity began to arrive. The famous Rockingham Castle was also built during the early part of this period.
However, Northamptonshire saw the 'Dark Ages ' or a downward trend towards the end of the next stage, The Middle Ages, though there was immense prosperity in the initial years. It was at this stage that the Northampton Castle became the host to the Parliament.
The downfall of this county continued further into the era of Tudors, from 1485 to 1603 and to some extent in the era of The Stuarts as well, which experienced the events such as the Naseby civil war and the destruction of the Northampton Castle.
The county emerged from the shadows a bit under the control of the Hanovers, from 1701-1901. It was now that Northamptonshire's Tram System was built, with the last route expansion having taken place in 1914.
Finally, the next stage of The Windsors, which continues till date witnessed a host of major events such as the destruction of the Notre Dame School, expansion of the General Hospital, funeral of Princess Diana, tramlines being removed and much more.
Inspite of all the diverse details being available, yet a lot still waits to be researched and documented pertaining to some of the other aspects of the Northamptonshire history.
Back to Articles Page
Overall, Northamptonshire has seen a major metamorphosis from the yesteryears vis-à-vis the present, in political, geographical and even financial terms.
Northamptonshire History – The Stages
To begin with, the history of Northamptonshire can be traced from as early as Pre 43 AD, often referred to as the pre-history stage. Though there are a lesser number of documented details available, the likes of the Circa 2000 BC Bronze age settlements show evidence of pottery and light weapons scattered at different points in the county.
Moving on, it was the time of Romans to dominate the region from 43 AD to 410 AD, though the county was not a very important military Roman location. The baton further went on to the Saxons who reigned until the Normans arrived in 1066, shortly after the Danes. The biggest legacy left by the Saxons was in the form of Saxon village names and monuments such as the Saxon church tower, now known as Earls Barton.
All along the history of Northamptonshire, it was the Normans who have truly left their mark on the Northamptonshire architecture, being immensely famous for their churches and the like. Besides, in this era, Simon de Senlis (de St. Lis) was also appointed as the Earl of Northampton, under whose control major development and prosperity began to arrive. The famous Rockingham Castle was also built during the early part of this period.
However, Northamptonshire saw the 'Dark Ages ' or a downward trend towards the end of the next stage, The Middle Ages, though there was immense prosperity in the initial years. It was at this stage that the Northampton Castle became the host to the Parliament.
The downfall of this county continued further into the era of Tudors, from 1485 to 1603 and to some extent in the era of The Stuarts as well, which experienced the events such as the Naseby civil war and the destruction of the Northampton Castle.
The county emerged from the shadows a bit under the control of the Hanovers, from 1701-1901. It was now that Northamptonshire's Tram System was built, with the last route expansion having taken place in 1914.
Finally, the next stage of The Windsors, which continues till date witnessed a host of major events such as the destruction of the Notre Dame School, expansion of the General Hospital, funeral of Princess Diana, tramlines being removed and much more.
Inspite of all the diverse details being available, yet a lot still waits to be researched and documented pertaining to some of the other aspects of the Northamptonshire history.
Back to Articles Page