From arena headlining comedians to blockbuster movie actors, Northampton has more than its share of celebrities.
But besides the rich and famous, the town has a noble tradition of strong women who have changed society for the better.
From writing books which challenged social norms to trailblazers who entered fields reserved for men - we look back at ten of the town’s most influential women.
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5. Anne Bradstreet
Anne Bradstreet was born in Northampton in 1612 and was one of the first English pilgrims to make her home in the new world. After moving to Massachusetts, she became a prominent poet - her first volume of poems The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America was published in 1650. She died in 1672. Photo: NA
6. Joan Wake
Northamptonshire historian Joan Wake (1884-1974) was born at Courteenhall and famously led the campaign to save Delapre Abbey from demolition. A member of the Royal Historical Society, she founded the Northamptonshire Record Society in 1920. By the 1950s, she heard of Delapre Abbey's plight and secured it as the base for the county's record office. She was made a CBE for her efforts. Photo: NA
7. Margaret Bondfield
Margaret Bondfield (1873-1953) became one of Britain's first female MPs, winning the seat Northampton for Labour in 1923. Although her first term as an MP ended after just a year, she would be elected twice more to Parliament and she was the first woman to serve as a cabinet minister and privy counsellor. Photo: NA
8. Anne Fine
Children's author Anne Fine (born 1947) attended Northampton High School for Girls and has written more than 70 books. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, among her most notable books are Mrs Doubtfire (adapted in a 1993 film starring Robin Williams), Goggle Eyes and Flour Babies. Photo: Anne Fine