Northampton is one of the greenest towns in the country, with beautiful parkland, has a wealth of history and heritage, is home to many household names, and enjoys a thriving cultural scene centred upon the Royal & Derngate theatre and the Errol Flynn filmhouse.
The county town, in the very heart of England, has history screaming from every pore and a rich heritage, characterised by its medieval churches.
Situated on the River Nene, the town prospered with the building of the Grand Union Canal and the arrival of the railway.
The principal industry was boot and shoe making and leathercraft and, to this day, quality Northampton footwear is known the world over. Northampton is host to many famous names including Carlsberg, Barclaycard, Nationwide, Avon, Travis & Perkins, and University of Northampton.
The National Lift Tower, known locally as the Lighthouse, dominates the skyline and Northampton, home to some big names in motorsport, is the only town in the country to boast top-flight rugby, football and cricket teams.
Originally called Hamm tun (the village by the well-watered meadow), the town began life as a Saxon village and dates back over 800 years. Almost totally destroyed following a fire in 1675, the town was rebuilt with the help of Charles II and once rivalled London as a seat of power and influence when royal parliaments were held at Northampton Castle.