Architectural illustrator traces Northamptonshire village's roots back to ice age for new book

An architectural illustrator has traced the roots of a Northamptonshire village back to the ice age for a book set to be released this year.

Robin Moore is penning a biography of Little Houghton which will explore the geographical, historical and architectural importance of the village.

‘Little Houghton – a biography of a village’ will delve into its past, looking at how it has been a prized piece of real estate which has had numerous owners over time.

Robin said: “Little Houghton is an intriguing village with an amazing history which has probably been quite hidden.

“It’s been great fun to put the book together and I’ve had a new surprise every day.

“My background is in brand building, and part of that process has always been looking at the history of a business and who they are and reconnecting this with the customer.

“So I decided to look into the history of the village, which I’ve been able to trace back to the ice age 11,500 years ago, while also trying to define its personality."

Robin, who moved to the village five years ago, decided to write and illustrate the book to demonstrate the personality and character of the village.

He has been working on the book for around a year and expects it to be published later this month.

“My research has seen me travel down various avenues, looking into significant factors such as why the village is called Little Houghton and how it was a place used as gratuity, with

kings giving the village to their prize lieutenants," he said.

“It’s quite surprising that a small village in Northamptonshire has been owned by numerous people over time who were able to set their own taxes and make their own laws."

The book will also explore the history of the 3,000-acre Davidge Usher Estate and how the village has previously enjoyed the advantages of a lord of the manor for 400 years.

It will also tell readers about the creation of the Davidge Usher Trust, which now owns the estate, and give them a glimpse into future plans.

John Palmer, of property consultancy Fisher German, which has managed the estate since the 1930s, said: “Robin is creating a fascinating book exploring the history of Little Houghton, and it is incredible that he has been able to trace its history back so far.

“It will no doubt be of interest to all those living in Little Houghton and the surrounding area, and I look forward to seeing the completed book when it is published.”