Abington author pens fifth historical novel which includes insights into medieval Northampton

A Northampton woman has penned a new historical novel based in the town with a nod to facts from the past.

Rosemary Sturge, from Abington, has self-published her book entitled ‘Northampton 1290’, which is a historical, mystery novel based in medieval Northampton.

The story follows kings, courtiers, trader, knights and murderers as they pass through the town following a murder in Market Square.

Rosemary, who has previously published four other historical novels, said: “I started researching Northampton in the medieval times and became fascinated by it.

“I like doing the research and discovering something and thinking ‘wow that’s got to go into the book.

“I like to think about previous times and what people were like, what it would have been like to live in those times.”

The author began writing her latest book in 2019 after she first got the idea for it from a local writing group she attended.

Over the course of three lockdowns has managed to complete and publish her novel.

As well as the fiction element of the book, Rosemary also incorporates nuggets of information about Northampton in 1290, including ‘The Drapery’ got its name.

The street was once home to the town’s booming cloth and wool making industry, hence the name.

Rosemary said: “Most of the street names in Northampton’s town centre haven’t changed from the medieval period.

“Silver Street, Gold Street, Bridge Street and of course The Drapery existed in 1290.”

The novel also reveals the origin of two statues that are familiar sights in Northamptonshire. Rosemary explains how two statues located in Geddington and London Road, Delapre were originally built to commemorate the late queen of England Eleanor of Castille, who died in 1290.

‘Northampton 1290’ is available in print and in Kindle form from Amazon.

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