Irthlingborough is a Town in the county of Northamptonshire.
A Historic Town in North Northamptonshire
Located in North Northamptonshire, England, Irthlingborough is a charming town with a rich history and unique landmarks.
St Peter’s Church: A Tower to Guide Travelers
One notable feature of Irthlingborough is St Peter’s Church, which stands proudly in the town. This church distinguishes itself from other churches in Northamptonshire with its exceptional lantern tower. The lantern tower was specifically constructed to aid travelers crossing the Nene valley during inclement weather. Its distinctive design not only adds to the architectural beauty of the church but also serves as a practical guide, providing a guiding light for those in need.
A Legacy of Ironstone Mining
Irthlingborough has a fascinating industrial past. At one time, it was home to an active ironstone mine, which played a significant role in the local economy. As part of the mining operations, a tunnel was excavated between Irthlingborough and Finedon. This tunnel served as a vital transportation route for the extracted iron ore.
The iron ore was extracted from a network of underground tunnels located approximately 80-100 feet beneath the surface. This intricate system allowed for efficient mining operations and provided access to the valuable natural resources that fueled the region’s industrial growth.
Today, the remnants of this mining heritage serve as a reminder of Irthlingborough’s industrious past, contributing to the town’s unique character and offering insight into the lives of the people who worked in the mines.
Grade I Listed Market Cross at Irthlingborough
The Market Cross at Irthlingborough is a historic and Grade I listed, scheduled monument believed to date back to the mid-14th century. Constructed from squared coursed limestone and ironstone, it features an ashlar shaft that adds to its architectural grandeur.
The cross stands on an octagonal base consisting of eight steps, providing a sturdy foundation for the rest of the structure. Atop the base, there is a square socket with octagonal shafts adorned with intricate ballflower ornamentation, showcasing the attention to detail of the craftsmen involved in its creation. Although weathered with time, remnants of a foliated capital can still be observed.
Interestingly, the shaft of the Market Cross served another purpose beyond its ornamental function. It is rumored to have been used as a standard for land measurement, highlighting its practical significance in addition to its symbolic role in the town.
In 1965, as part of a road improvement project, the entire Market Cross was relocated to the west of its original location. This careful restoration and preservation effort ensured that this historical monument could continue to be appreciated by present and future generations.
The Market Cross at Irthlingborough has been recognized for its cultural and historical importance. It is a scheduled ancient monument, standing as a testament to the town’s rich heritage.
For further information and in-depth exploration of the region’s architectural wonders, the ‘Buildings of England: Northamptonshire’ by J. Markham, as well as the comprehensive study on stone crosses in Northamptonshire, are recommended resources.
There are great places to visit near Irthlingborough including some great ruins, villages, castles, towns, woodlands, hiking areas, historic buildings, parks, country parks, lakes, bluebell woods, rivers and streams, gardens, nature reserves, historic monuments and museums.
The area around Irthlingborough features a number of interesting ruins including Lyveden New Bield, and Overstone Hall (ruin).
Irthlingborough's best nearby villages can be found at Lilbourne, Aldwincle, Harringworth, Gretton, Great Brington, Ravensthorpe, and Earls Barton.
Places near Irthlingborough feature a number of interesting castles including Lilbourne Castle.
Irthlingborough's best nearby towns can be found at Kettering, Burton Latimer, Rothwell, Corby, Northampton, Kingsthorpe, and Duston.
Irthlingborough has some unmissable woodlands nearby like Fineshade Wood, Salcey Forest, and Cotton Manor Garden.
Irthlingborough's best nearby hiking areas can be found at Fineshade Wood, Salcey Forest, and Ravensthorpe Reservoir.
There are a number of historic buildings near Irthlingborough including Deene Park, Kirby Hall, Welland Viaduct, Delapre Abbey, The Guildhall, National Lift Tower, and The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Northampton).
There are a number of parks near Irthlingborough including Deene Park, Abington Park, Cotton Manor Garden, and Higham Ferrers Riverside Park.
Irthlingborough has some unmissable country parks nearby like Sywell Country Park, Stanwick Lakes, and Irchester Country Park.
The area around Irthlingborough features a number of interesting lakes including Sywell Reservoir, Ravensthorpe Reservoir, Sixfields Reservoir, Stanwick Lakes, and Boddington Reservoir.
The area around Irthlingborough's best bluebell woods can be found at Cotton Manor Garden.
The area close to Irthlingborough boasts some of the best rivers and streams including Northampton Marina.
The area close to Irthlingborough boasts some of the best gardens including Cottesbrooke Hall.
There are a number of nature reserves near Irthlingborough including Summer Leys Nature Reserve, Stanwick Lakes, and Nene Wetlands Nature Reserve.
Wellingborough War Memorial is one of Irthlingborough's best, nearby historic monuments to visit in Irthlingborough.
The area close to Irthlingborough boasts some of the best museums including Rushden Museum.
Irthlingborough History
There are some historic monuments around Irthlingborough:
Places to see near Irthlingborough
History of Irthlingborough
The college was to have six secular canons, one a dean, and four clerks, but he died before his intention was actually carried out. The design was eventually accomplished by his widow, Joan, in 1388.
