About Northampton, Northamptonshire and the Nene Valley

A historic market town on the River Nene

Northampton is the county town of Northamptonshire and one of the largest towns in England, sitting on the River Nene roughly midway between London and Birmingham. Its centre is built around the Market Square, in use as a marketplace since 1235 and one of the oldest and largest market squares in Britain.

The town is the natural hub for a ring of neighbourhoods and villages including Kingsthorpe, Duston, Abington, Weston Favell, Wootton, Hardingstone, Brixworth, Moulton, Long Buckby and Bugbrooke - which is why this directory covers the whole district, not just the town centre.

Boot and shoe town

Northampton made its name making boots and shoes, and fine footwear is still produced in the town today. Northampton Museum and Art Gallery holds the largest collection of historic footwear in the world, and the local football club is still nicknamed the Cobblers in honour of the trade.

Fire and rebuilding

The Great Fire of Northampton in 1675 destroyed much of the town centre in a single day. The rebuild gave the town some of its best loved buildings, including All Saints' Church with its grand columned portico beside the Market Square. The Victorian Gothic Guildhall on St Giles' Square followed two centuries later and remains the seat of the town's mayoralty.

Market Square today

The Market Square reopened in autumn 2024 after a major regeneration, with modern fixed stalls, pop-up pitches, an events space and a shoe-inspired water feature. The market trades through the week with a changing mix of stallholders; check the council's market pages for current trading days and special markets.

Getting around

Northampton station sits on the loop line between London Euston and Birmingham, and the M1 passes the town at junctions 15, 15a and 16. Local buses link the centre with the surrounding neighbourhoods and villages, and much of the town centre is walkable.

There are several town centre car parks within a short walk of the Market Square. Check signage for current charges and time limits.