Delapré Abbey to Mark 566th Anniversary of the Battle of Northampton with special heritage day

Delapré Abbey will mark the 566th anniversary of the Battle of Northampton with a special day of tours, displays and interactive activities on Saturday 4 July, celebrating one of the most significant events in the town’s history. 

Although the Battle of Northampton was fought on 10 July 1460, this year’s commemorative activities will take place on 4 July as a part of Delapré Abbey’s summer events programme. 

The battle unfolded on the land surrounding Delapré Abbey during the Wars of the Roses. It proved to be a pivotal moment in English history, resulting in a decisive Yorkist victory and the capture of King Henry VI . 

To commemorate the anniversary, Delapré Abbey is working with Northamptonshire Battlefields Society to bring the story of the battle to life through a range of activities across the site. 

Throughout the day, expert guides from the Northamptonshire Battlefields Society will lead regular battlefield tours between 10AM and 4PM, exploring the events of the 1460 battle and explaining how the conflict shaped the course of the Wars of Roses. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view the historical equipment displays and speak with knowledgeable society members in the Library, with no booking required. 

Inside the Abbey, visitors can explore the Battlefield Room between 11am-3pm, which tells the story of the battle through interactive displays and interpretation panels. A new addition to the collection – an original cannonball fired during the Battle of Northampton in 1460 – will also be on display. 

Visitors can also take part in a volunteer-created tabletop game in the Housekeeper’s Room. Inspired by the popular Never Mind the Billhooks gaming system, the game allows players to recreate key moments from the battle and experience the challenges faced by the opposing armies.     

Battlefield tours and equipment display hosted by the Northamptonshire Battlefields Society are free of charge. Access to the Battlefield Room and tabletop game is included with house admission. Entry costs £5 for a parent and child, and annual pass holders and Historic House members go free. For more information, please visit delapreabbey.org.