Higham Ferrers is a market town and civil parish in the Nene Valley in North Northamptonshire, England, close to the Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire borders. It forms a single built-up area with Rushden to the south and had a population of 8,827 at the 2021 census.
The town has a rich history dating back to the Roman era. It was granted a market charter in 1251 and became a prosperous centre for trade and commerce. The town was also home to a number of important religious institutions, including the College of All Saints, founded in 1422 by Henry Chichele, Archbishop of Canterbury.
Higham Ferrers is known for its well-preserved historic town centre, which contains many medieval and Georgian buildings. The town's most famous landmark is the Church of St Mary the Virgin, which is one of the largest and most impressive parish churches in England.
Other notable attractions in Higham Ferrers include:
- Higham Ferrers Castle: A ruined Norman castle that was once the home of the Ferrers family.
- The Ferrers School: A grammar school founded in 1422.
- The Market Square: A lively town square that hosts a weekly market.
- Higham Ferrers Riverside Park
Higham Ferrers is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a great place to live and work. The town has a good range of amenities, including schools, shops, restaurants, and pubs. There are also a number of businesses located in the town, and it is well-connected to major cities such as London, Birmingham, and Cambridge.
Some of the notable people who have lived in Higham Ferrers include:
- Henry Chichele: Archbishop of Canterbury and founder of All Souls College, Oxford.
- Sir Thomas Tresham: Politician and recusant.
- Sir Thomas Brudenell: Politician and courtier.
- William Wake: Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Edward Bouverie Pusey: Oxford theologian and leader of the Tractarian Movement.
Higham Ferrers is a charming and historic town with a lot to offer its residents and visitors.