Northampton's 'dazzling' place in history committed to paper in new paperback

The complete story of Northampton's "dazzling" history has been committed to paper in a new book by one of the town's leading authors.

'Northampton: 5,000 years of History' chronicles how our town made its mark as a major player in England's olden days

It charts the town's life story up to the present day - from it's roots as a religious settlement close to what is known today as Chalk Lane, to its meteoric expansion through the iconic shoe industry.

Author Mike Ingram said: "It's the book I've always wanted to write.

"I've been collecting the research for it for years and always wanted to put it to paper. Then when lockdown came along, I realised I finally had the chance.

"Northampton has a dazzling history. There are so many pieces to it I can't pick out the most exciting one."

The 300-page account of the town tell the borough's beginnings as a number of Neolithic settlements through it's important place as the seat of Parliament; from the raging destruction of the Great Fire in 1675, to it's reputation as the heart of shoe making in England.

Landmarks like the Market Square and Delapre Abbey and their impact on the town have their own chapters, as do the exploits of Charles Bradlaugh.

Accompanying the book is a compendium of ancient streets as well as researched photographs of town's living landmarks.

The book already has a five star rating on Amazon, with one reader writing: "I’ve read many, many books about Northampton including others by this author. I have to state that this is by far the most well researched, interesting and engaging to date. An absolute page turner."

Mike, who has a Masters in history and has been teaching Northampton history through self-run courses, said: "I think more people need to know the history of our town. Anecdotally, some people think there is no history here.

"They couldn't be more wrong. The town is steeped in history. My goal is that everyone in Northampton knows and understands the town's forgotten and hidden amazing history, be it inhabitant, business, council and councillor."

'Northampton: 5,000 Years of History' is available in paperback online for £19.99. See Mike's Amazon Author's page for more details.