Towcester is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the country. It was the Roman town of Lactodurum, located on Watling Street, today's A5. There is evidence that it was settled by humans since the Mesolithic era (middle stone age). There is also evidence of Iron Age burials in the area.
In Roman Britain, Watling Street, now the A5 road, was built through the area and a garrison town called Lactodurum established on the site of the present-day town. Lactodurum was a major road junction and an important staging post on the road from London to Chester.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Towcester remained a settlement. It was granted a market charter in 1194 and became an important market town. In the 15th century, Towcester was a thriving town with a population of over 3,000 people.
The town declined in importance in the 17th and 18th centuries, but it experienced a revival in the 19th century. This was due in part to the construction of the London and North Western Railway through the town in 1838.
Today, Towcester is a thriving market town with a population of over 11,000 people. The town is home to a number of businesses and industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. Towcester is also a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as Towcester Racecourse, Towcester Museum, and Silverstone Circuit.