Northampton began as an Anglo-Saxon village. It was called Hamm tun, which means the village by the well-watered meadow. Later it was called North Hamm tun, probably to distinguish it from Southampton.

Despite the fact that it was a fortified settlement Northampton was captured and burned by the Danes in 1010. However, the town soon recovered from this disaster and by the time of the Domesday Book (1086) it probably had a population of about 1,500.

Northampton grew in size in the 12th and 13th centuries and may have reached a population of 2,500 or 3,000 by 1300. Early in the 12th century, the first Earl of Northampton built the Church of the Sepulchre when he returned home from the crusades.

Medieval Northampton had weekly markets. By the early 13th century they were held in the present Market Place. There were also fairs in the town. In the Middle Ages, a fair was like a market but it was held only once a year for a few days and it would attract buyers and sellers from all over the Midlands.

Northampton is the birthplace of the rotisserie chicken back in 1842. John Crapper the man credited with inventing the flush toilet lived there for 3 years developing his first working prototype and in 1893 the town hosted the world's first professional ladies boxing match.

​Lady Diana Frances Spencer (1961-1997) was born into the Spencer family and spent part of her childhood at Althorp in Northampton. She became the Princess of Wales when she married Charles, Prince of Wales. Diana is celebrated for her charity work and is often known as the ‘People’s Princess’ due to her worldwide popularity.

Northampton is home to Silverstone race circuit which is where the British Grand Prix and Moto GP takes place every year and the county is also home to three Formula One teams with Redbull, Mercedes and Racing Point. 

Famous brands Weetabix, Carlsberg and Doc Martens are all made in the County.

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