10 facts about Northampton you didn't know

Northampton's hidden gems: 10 fascinating facts that will change how you see this historic town forever

Buckle up, folks! We're about to take you on a wild ride through the hidden gems of Northampton. This charming town in the heart of England's East Midlands might seem like your average British locale, but trust us, it's got some seriously jaw-dropping secrets up its sleeve. From royal connections to Hollywood glitz, Northampton's got it all. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and prepare to have your mind blown by these little-known facts about this seemingly unassuming town.

Northampton, with its rich history dating back to the Bronze Age, has been a silent witness to some of England's most pivotal moments. Nestled along the River Nene, this bustling town of over 200,000 residents has evolved from an Anglo-Saxon village to a thriving industrial center, all while keeping some pretty impressive cards close to its chest. But we're about to spill the beans!

Did you know, for example, that Northampton was once the capital of England? Or that it's home to the world's largest collection of historical footwear? How about the fact that it played a crucial role in a Hollywood blockbuster? And don't even get us started on its connection to America's founding fathers! Intrigued yet? Well, you should be, because we're just getting started. Let's dive into the top 10 mind-blowing facts about Northampton that will make you see this town in a whole new light!

1. Northampton: The Forgotten Capital of England

Hold onto your hats, history buffs! What if we told you that Northampton was once the capital of England? That's right, this unassuming town briefly held the title of the most important city in the land. Back in the 12th and 13th centuries, Northampton Castle was a favorite hangout spot for English monarchs. It was so popular that the Parliament of England was held here multiple times. King John even granted the town its first charter in 1189, officially recognizing it as a town. The castle was the place to be, hosting royalty and serving as the venue for important political decisions. Sadly, the castle was mostly destroyed in 1662 under Charles II's orders, but its legacy lives on. So next time someone asks you about England's capitals, don't forget to mention Northampton – it'll make you sound like a real history pro!

2. The Shoe Capital of the World

Step right up, fashion enthusiasts! Northampton isn't just any old town – it's the shoe capital of the world. This place has been cranking out top-notch footwear since the 15th century. We're talking about handcrafted, high-quality shoes that have graced the feet of royalty, celebrities, and discerning shoe lovers worldwide. But here's the kicker: Northampton is home to the world's largest collection of historical footwear at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. With over 12,000 pairs of shoes dating from the Ancient Egyptian era to modern times, it's a shoe lover's paradise. Best part? The museum even has Queen Victoria's wedding shoes! So, if you're ever in town, don't miss out on this sole-ful experience. It's a step back in time you won't forget!

3. Northampton's Hollywood Connection

Lights, camera, action! Get ready for some movie magic, because Northampton has a secret Hollywood connection that'll knock your socks off. Remember that heart-wrenching wedding scene in the 2012 film adaptation of "Les Misérables"? Well, guess where it was filmed? That's right – right here in Northampton! The stunning Boughton House, often called the "English Versailles," served as the backdrop for Cosette and Marius's wedding. But that's not all – the house has also appeared in other films like "The Golden Bowl" and "Death on the Nile." So, next time you're watching a period drama and think, "Wow, that looks like a fancy French château," don't be surprised if it turns out to be good old Northampton. Who knew this humble town had such star power?

4. The American Connection: Washington and Franklin

Hold onto your tricorn hats, American history buffs! Northampton has a star-spangled secret that'll make you say, "God bless America!" Did you know that the ancestors of not one, but two of America's founding fathers hailed from this very county? That's right, both George Washington and Benjamin Franklin have roots right here in Northamptonshire. Washington's great-grandfather, John Washington, lived in Sulgrave Manor before setting sail for the New World in 1656. As for Franklin, his father was born in Ecton, just a stone's throw from Northampton. Talk about a historical goldmine! So next time you're belting out the "Star-Spangled Banner" or munching on apple pie, spare a thought for good old Northampton – it played a part in shaping the American Dream!

5. The Birthplace of the Garden Gnome

Get ready to have your mind blown, garden lovers! You know those cute little bearded figures that adorn gardens worldwide? Well, guess where they were born? Right here in Northampton! The world's first garden gnomes were introduced at Lamport Hall in 1847 by Sir Charles Isham. This eccentric baronet brought back 21 terracotta figures from Germany and placed them in his rockery. Only one of the original gnomes survives today – affectionately named "Lampy" – and he's insured for a whopping £1 million! So, the next time you see a garden gnome, give a little nod to Northampton. Who knew this town was responsible for unleashing these whimsical creatures on the world? It's gnome joke – Northampton really is full of surprises!

6. The Oldest Round Church in England

Holy moly, history lovers! Brace yourselves for a circular sensation. Northampton is home to the oldest round church in England still in use. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built in 1100 AD, is one of only four medieval round churches still standing in England. But why round, you ask? Well, it was modeled after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, believed to be the site of Jesus's crucifixion and burial. The Northampton version was built by Simon de Senlis, Earl of Northampton, after his return from the First Crusade. It's like a little piece of Jerusalem right in the heart of England! So, if you're ever in Northampton, don't miss out on this architectural marvel. It's a real holy roller!

7. The Birthplace of DNA Discovery

Hold onto your lab coats, science enthusiasts! What if we told you that Northampton played a crucial role in one of the most significant scientific discoveries of the 20th century? That's right, we're talking about DNA! Francis Crick, one of the co-discoverers of the structure of DNA, was born right here in Northampton in 1916. Crick, along with James Watson and Rosalind Franklin, unraveled the double helix structure of DNA in 1953, revolutionizing our understanding of genetics and earning a Nobel Prize in the process. So, next time you're watching a crime show and they're running DNA tests, remember that this groundbreaking discovery has roots in Northampton. It's in our genes to be awesome!

8. The Town That Saved the English Language

Alright, language lovers, this one's for you! Northampton might just be the unsung hero of the English language. How, you ask? Well, it all goes back to 1712 when a chap named John Clare was born in Helpston, just north of Northampton. Clare, known as the "Northamptonshire Peasant Poet," played a crucial role in preserving rural English dialects and vocabulary that might otherwise have been lost to time. His poems captured the essence of country life and the local language, providing a invaluable record of words and phrases that were falling out of use. So, the next time you're enjoying a good old English natter, spare a thought for Northampton and John Clare. Without them, our vocabulary might be a lot poorer. Talk about a wordsmith's paradise!

9. The Home of the World's Largest Lift Testing Tower

Going up? Well, in Northampton, you can go up higher than anywhere else in the UK! Bet you didn't know that this town is home to the tallest lift testing tower in the country. Standing at a whopping 127.5 meters (418 feet), the National Lift Tower dominates the Northampton skyline. Built in 1982, this concrete giant was originally used by the Express Lift Company to test their elevators. Today, it's used for all sorts of cool stuff like lift testing, research, and even abseiling and rappelling for the thrill-seekers among us. It's even been featured on Top Gear! So next time you're in an elevator, remember that some of the technology keeping you safe might have been tested right here in Northampton. Talk about raising the bar!

10. The Butterfly Effect: Northampton's Lepidopteran Legacy

Flutter this way, nature lovers! Northampton has a secret that'll really get your wings flapping. Did you know that this town played a crucial role in the study of butterflies? The famous Victorian lepidopterist, Henry Doubleday, did much of his groundbreaking work right here in Northamptonshire. He discovered several new species and wrote extensively about butterflies and moths, helping to establish lepidoptery as a serious scientific field. But here's the real showstopper: Northampton is home to some of the rarest butterflies in the UK, including the Black Hairstreak and the Chequered Skipper. The latter was actually reintroduced to England in Rockingham Forest near Northampton after becoming extinct in the country. So, next time you see a butterfly, think of Northampton – we're kind of a big deal in the butterfly world!

And there you have it, folks! Ten mind-blowing facts about Northampton that prove this town is anything but ordinary. From its royal past to its scientific breakthroughs, from Hollywood glamour to American connections, Northampton is a treasure trove of surprises. It's played host to kings, sparked revolutions in footwear and science, and even helped save the English language. Not bad for a "small" town in the Midlands, eh?

So, the next time someone tries to tell you that Northampton is just another English town, you can hit them with these fascinating facts. Whether you're a history buff, a science geek, a movie lover, or just someone who appreciates a good surprise, Northampton has something to knock your socks off (probably with a pair of its world-famous shoes).

Remember, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Northampton is full of hidden gems and untold stories, waiting for curious minds to uncover them. So why not plan a visit? Come and walk the streets where kings once roamed, where scientific breakthroughs were made, and where garden gnomes first came to life. Trust us, after learning these facts, you'll never look at Northampton the same way again. This town isn't just living history – it's making history every day. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of it!