The market town of Daventry blossomed in the 18th century, it’s economy benefitting from the increase in coaching traffic which was diverted here off the London to Dublin road (Watling Street: A5). It was the stop off north of Towcester.
Adjacent to the town is Borough Hill which was where Charles l encamped his army prior to marching to Naseby. In the mid 29th century the BBC Empire Service (now The World Service) broadcasted from here. Many people will have first encountered this town as the radio announcer said “Daventry calling, Daventry calling”. It was also from here that radar was first tested in 1938 by it’s inventors Robert Watson-Watt and A. F. Wilkins.
The town itself centres on the Market Square, now largely pedestrianised, surrounded by a medley of buildings dating back to the 16th century which continue down to High Street and Sheaf Street.
Daventry has a mix of independent and national retailers, and has good sporting facilities. Beyond the town is the country park.
Daventry Country Park has an exciting adventure playground, with something for all ages. There is a castle-themed fort with slides, a net bridge, a climbing wall, a variety of swings, a spring-mounted jeep ride, a smaller fort for toddlers, and a zip wire among other items of equipment. Stroll along one of the parks three circular trails including the 2.5 mile reservoir walk, 1.5 mile meadow walk and 1 mile woodland walk. The woodland walk has 20 markers featuring etching plaques depicting a range of different animals and insects.
