Local theatre group to bring to life a virtual mystery tour of Northampton’s ‘oldest house’ this weekend

A local theatre group will bring to life a mystery tour of a house that is thought to be Northampton’s oldest this weekend.

Looking Glass Theatre Company, which is based at Hazelrigg House in Mare Fair, will give YouTube viewers a tour of various rooms.

The tour will take place on Sunday (June 14) at 5pm and will include photographs and documents charting the grade II listed Tudor building’s lengthy past.

James Smith, Director of the Theatre, said: “Hazelrigg House has a long and rich history, so we’re really excited that talented, local actors are bringing it to life through this virtual tour.

“Many interesting inhabitants and visitors have passed through the house, and research has revealed its connections to Northampton Castle and the Hazelrigg family themselves, not to mention a ghostly presence that many people have felt.”

The house was one of the few buildings to survive the 1675 Great Fire of Northampton and is thought to date back to the late 16th century, when it was more than twice its current size.

It has since been remodelled inside and out and has existed as a family home, a school, a ladies club, a nursery and is now occupied by the theatre group.

Councillor Anna King, Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet member for community engagement, added: “This tour gives a potted history of one of the town’s oldest and most recognisable buildings, and follows on the success of last year’s sell-out mystery tours, which took place in partnership with the Borough Council, at various historical locations around the town.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity to learn more about an important part of Northampton’s heritage in a really entertaining and engaging way.”

This is the second virtual ‘Mystery Tour’ performed by the theatre company this year, following a special VE Day tour filmed in May.

To watch on Sunday, search @LGTheatre on YouTube and search them on Facebook for more information.

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