Take a look back at 30 Google Maps pictures of what Northampton town centre looked like back in 2009.
Google Maps' street view feature allows users to virtually traverse the streets of Northampton as they were in 2009.
This newspaper has scouted out the town on Google Maps back in 2009, screenshotting streets and places of note in the town centre.
In the span of 14 years, Northampton has undergone huge changes, and these snapshots provide a unique window into the town's evolution.
One striking observation from the images of 2009 show how the internet has changed the landscape of the High Street, with many products just a click of a button away instead of a trip into town.
As technology continues to advance and capture our surroundings, these digital archives will undoubtedly be cherished by future generations, offering them glimpses into the town's ever-evolving story.
Click through our gallery to see what the town looked like in 2009.

25. Looking back at Northampton town centre in 2009
St Giles Street. The well-known Lawrence's bakery (left) before it closed down in 2017. Pub landlords, Craig Ryan and Martyn Edwards - who run The Edge of Town and Bat and Wickets - bought the premises to resurrect the iconic cafe. It reopened in February 2023 after six years of closure. Bonds jewellers (right) is still going strong to this day. Photo: Google

26. Looking back at Northampton town centre in 2009
Dychurch Lane and The Ridings Arcade. Before the explosion of smartphones with exceptional built-in cameras, Venture photography was well-known in the town. Photo: Google

27. Looking back at Northampton town centre in 2009
St Giles Street. More shops down one of the town's most highly-rated streets. Photo: Google

28. Looking back at Northampton town centre in 2009.
Market Square. This is as close as Google Maps takes you to the famous Market Square and its iconic red and white tents. The site is currently undergoing a £10 million refurbishment by West Northants Council which is set to be completed in summer 2024. Photo: Google


