queen visits northampton

The Queen's visits to Northamptonshire in pictures

From her first visit to Northampton in 1946 to her last to Corby in 2012

• 05:00, 13 SEP 2022

From before she was even queen, Queen Elizabeth II visited Northamptonshire several times throughout her life. Following her death on Thursday, this photo tribute looks back on Her Majesty’s many memorable visits to the county over 70 years.

The Queen first visited Northamptonshire as a young princess in 1946, just after the Second World War and before her marriage to Prince Philip. The 20-year-old princess visited Northampton to open the General Hospital and Grendon Hall, the County Youth Centre of Northamptonshire.

She returned in 1961, where she travelled to Corby to unveil Queen's Square, which had been named after her. In 1965, the Queen and Prince Philip undertook a whirlwind tour of Northamptonshire.

READ MORE: When and where to see the Queen's coffin flying over Northants on its flight down to London

They visited Wellingborough and Higham Ferrers before stopping by Kettering to see a model of the new town centre. They then went on to Northampton to inspect Churches Shoe Factory before dinner at Althorp House.

In 1982, she returned to Northampton to open the Express Lifts tower (now known as the National Lift Tower). She also used this tour to visit pupils at Queen Elizabeth School in Corby.

In 1985, 20 years after her last visit there, the Queen returned to Higham Ferrers and Wellingborough to visit the Duchy farms in the area. As the Duke of Lancaster, the Queen owned these farms and was responsible for the tenants.

In 1992, the Queen opened the new extension to Northampton Guildhall. Her great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria, opened the original building 128 years before in 1864.

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The Queen was given a particularly warm welcome by Kettering in 2001, when she came to open the new Business Exchange. She also dropped by Corby to visit the Rockingham Speedway with Prince Philip.

She made her last visit to the county ten years ago, when she visited Corby as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. She inspected the new International Swimming Pool and Corby Cube, before visiting Spratton, where she was given a Diamond Pie.

Crowds of fans greet the then Princess Elizabeth in Northampton, on her way to open the General Hospital and Grendon Hall in 1946.

The Queen on her first visit to Corby in 1961, when she opened Queen's Square.

The Queen walking through the streets of Higham Ferrers as part of her 1965 tour of Northamptonshire.

Visiting Churches Shoe Factory in Northampton in 1965

Crowds welcome the Queen outside Northampton Guildhall in 1982, when she opened the National Lift Tower

The Queen and Prince Philip travelling to Duchy Farm near Wellingborough in 1985

The Queen opening the new extension to Northampton Guildhall in 1992

The Queen on a walkabout in Kettering in 2001 after opening the Business Exchange

The Queen meets beauty queens during a visit to the Olympic swimming pool and the Cube at Corby during her Diamond Jubilee tour of the East Midlands in 2012.

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Did the Queen ever come to Northampton?

As an Ecotourism Specialist, I am often asked about the various places that Queen Elizabeth II has visited throughout her reign. One location that often comes up is Northampton. Many people wonder if the Queen has ever visited this town in the East Midlands region of England. The answer to this question is yes, the Queen has indeed visited Northampton.

In fact, Her Majesty’s visit to Northampton took place on 9 July 1965. On that day, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh embarked on a trip to Higham Ferrers, and they managed to squeeze in visits to several other towns, including Kettering, Wellingborough, and Northampton. During their visit to Northampton, the royal couple even attended a reception at Althorp House, the ancestral home of the Spencer family.

The Queen’s connection to Northampton does not end there. In 1982, she visited the town once again. On this occasion, Her Majesty was present to open the Express Lift Tower and view the Royal and Derngate, a renowned theater in Northampton. Interestingly, the theater had not been granted royal permission to use the title ‘Royal’ until the Queen’s visit reaffirmed its status.

This visit by Queen Elizabeth II highlights her dedication to fulfilling her royal duties and engaging with communities across the United Kingdom. It is not surprising that the Queen has made numerous visits to various towns and cities throughout her reign. In fact, she is known for being the most well-travelled monarch in history, having made over 100 trips to different countries during her 70-year reign.

Among the countries that the Queen has visited, Canada has been the destination of her choice the most. Her Majesty has visited Canada a grand total of 27 times, reflecting the strong ties between the United Kingdom and its former colony. Australia follows closely behind with 18 visits, and New Zealand comes in third with 10 visits. These countries are all part of the Commonwealth, and Queen Elizabeth II remains the Head of State for these nations, albeit in a ceremonial role.

While the Queen’s visits to various countries have left a lasting impact, her presence in Northampton holds particular significance for the town. The fact that her signature still remains in the Visitors’ Book in the Mayor’s Parlour of the Guildhall serves as a reminder of her visit and her connection to the community.

As an Ecotourism Specialist, I encourage visitors to Northampton to explore not only the town’s rich history but also its natural beauty. Northampton is home to several parks and green spaces that offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. These areas provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting.

Additionally, Northamptonshire, the county in which Northampton is located, boasts stunning countryside landscapes and picturesque villages. Visitors can take part in guided nature walks, cycle through scenic routes, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Ecotourism has become increasingly popular in recent years, as people seek sustainable and responsible ways to travel and explore the world. Northampton and its surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities for eco-conscious travelers to immerse themselves in nature and learn about the local environment.

In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth II has indeed visited Northampton, leaving a lasting impression on the town and its residents. Her visits highlight her commitment to engaging with communities across the United Kingdom. Northampton, with its rich history and natural beauty, is a destination worth exploring for those interested in ecotourism and outdoor activities.

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“A right Royal visit” Queen Victoria’s visit to Northampton

• by Graham Ward
• 27/01/2021 13/05/2022

12 November 1844 was set to be a great day for Northampton. A chance to welcome Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. to the town. However, two tragedies would occur. It was a visit of convenience for the royal couple, who were passing through the town en route to Burghley House the residence of Marquess of Exeter.

They left Euston station at 09:22 aboard the Royal train . 1 Stopping only briefly at Tring for the engine to take on water, they progressed north-bound arriving at Weedon at 11:43. In 1844 there was no railway line to Northampton, as Bridge Street station was not to open until the following year; Weedon was the nearest convenient station.

Why the Queen was taken to Weedon and not Blisworth could have been due to two reasons. The new railway from Blisworth to Northampton and Peterborough was under construction in 1844, Blisworth therefore was probably, in part, a building site. Weedon, arguably, also offered a better connection via the turnpike to Northampton.

From Weedon the Royal party proceeded by horse-drawn carriages towards Northampton. We get a vivid picture of the day as the Northampton Mercury 2 describes the scene on entering the town.

Approaching nearer to the town. Her Majesty first passed under a very pretty arch formed of laurel and other evergreens, and extending across the road at Mr. Hamson’s, the Green Man, St. James’s End, from whose house also projected a large and very handsome banner. Northampton, it must be confessed, cannot boast of the grandeur of its approaches, and St. James’s End with its abrupt, narrow, and dirty turn, is one of the worst but Mr. Hamson’s pretty device was full of lively promise, and before the pleasant picture could have passed from the mind the turn was made and the West bridge with its triumphal arch, covered with evergreens and flags, burst upon the Royal view. Here the cortege was met by the municipal body, the magistrates and the clergy, and a strong muster of the gentlemen of the town. At a quarter to one salvo of artillery from the ruins of the old castle announced that Her Majesty had arrived. The bells of all the churches rang merrily, the band struck up the National Anthem, and the general enthusiasm approached its height. In the following order the procession now moved up Black Lion-hill and along Marefair and Gold-street, to the George Hotel.

This depiction of Northampton’s castle is particularly interesting. The actual castle had long been demolished and the site had been in ruins for many years, the grounds were being used as an orchard and for grazing. What is shown here is a wooden replica that was erected on the site. The drawing was from a viewpoint close to the River Nene, probably from a property called “Nen Villa”. 3  

St Peter ’ s church, an accident

Shortly before the Queen arrived in the town an accident had occurred at St Peter ’ s church, again recorded by the Northampton Mercury reporter:

About half-an-hour before Her Majesty’s arrival a singular accident happened at St. Peter’s Church to the parish clerk. He was engaged in showing the bells to some strangers, and had placed himself on the floor close to the tenor bell; at the same moment some unlucky person below pulled the bell-rope. With a degree of presence of mind, to which he owes his life, the clerk threw himself flat upon his back, and the bell swung over him, inflicting two or three severe lacerations on the head and legs in its revolution. The visitors immediately gave the alarm, and he fortunately escaped without more serious injury. The bell weighs 13 cwt.

The unnamed parish clerk was James Smith, aged 56. He was parish clerk of St Peter throughout the 1840s and lived near the church in Marefair. He died in 1863 and is buried at Upton.

The procession

Along the route every house was decorated from base to parapet with evergreens, and a number of gorgeous banners extended across the streets. Windows, balconies and platforms, were crowded with eager and delighted spectators. The principal shortcoming of Gold Street – ts narrowness – was in one respect an advantage; the flags and evergreens from either side actually formed a canopy. At All Saints’ Church, its portico was festooned with laurels, with the Royal Standard floating from its tower. The procession included members of the Town Council, local Clergy, and Freemasons, the Odd Fellows (friendly societies), and other Societies forming a dense but orderly parade. Of course, however, the carriage of the Queen and her Royal Consort was the object towards which every eye was turned. The vehicle, which was drawn by four beautiful horses, was without ornament of any kind, and perhaps throughout the line of procession there was scarcely a lady habited with more simplicity than our beloved Sovereign. The slowness with which the carriage moved onwards allowed ample opportunity for every spectator having anything like a vantage point, to see Her Majesty and Prince Albert. The Queen looked remarkably well, and was evidently gratified with the heartiness of her welcome. Both Her Majesty and the Prince acknowledged continually the acclamations which greeted them. Arriving at the George Hotel, the royal carriage halted in front of All Saints’ Church where the Mayor read to Her Majesty a loyal address to which the Queen responded.

The procession once more moved on around the front of All Saints’ Church, under the triumphal arch at the end of Mercers’ Row and along the long line of Abington Street, which like the other streets, exhibited a profusion of laurels, banners, and other decorations. At the end of this street was a final triumphal arch. The Royal couple proceeded on their journey to Burghley House.

All Saints ’ , a second tragedy

The press report appearing four days after the visit 4 includes brief mention of a second accident: “the breaking down of some seats erected in front of All Saints’ Church for the accommodation of the charity children. … Happily the children all escaped more frightened than hurt, but a poor man received a severe hurt.”

That description of events was an understatement. The following week ’ s newspaper recorded the full details of the inquest into the death of George Mason, a local carpenter and the circumstances around the collapse of the stage on which the children were seated.

The first witness was Mr. E. F. Law 5 , a local but well known architect, employed to erect a stage for the accommodation of the Sunday School children in All Saints Church Yard, on the occasion of Her Majesty’s visit. The newspapers records:

Two stages were previously erected to the one in question, on planks, and the one in question was being proceeded with when an order was received from the Mayor and Corporation to the effect that it must be lowered or taken down altogether. It was taken down, and [the] witness (Mr. Law), in consequence, sent in his resignation. The building went on under the direction of the builder and the Rev. W. Wales, and on the evening of Saturday the Mayor requested him (Mr. Law), as a personal favour, to resume his superintendance. He did so, and the stage was completed. It was calculated to accommodate 4,000 children.

Subsequent events show that the design and construction of the stage were a significant factor in its collapse when put to use. It appears that the original design by the architect was too high for the Vicar of All Saints and the Mayor who intervened in its construction. Not surprisingly Mr. Law resigned from the role only to resume responsibility.

The inquest continued turning to event on the day of the Queen ’ s visit.

On the morning of Tuesday witness (Mr. Law) was engaged in placing the children; about 2000 of them were on the stage when Mr. Elkington, the schoolmaster, said he thought he felt it move. Witness (Mr. Law) replied “ Good God no; it is impossible; three inch planks cannot break. ” Mr. Elkington said he did not think the planks were breaking, but that the stage was moving.

[Mr. Law] examined and found that it was indeed sinking, and further examination showed that many of the perpendicular supports had gone into the ground; one or two of the grave stones were broken to pieces, and the uprights had gone through into the grave. Witness got assistance from a man named Thompson, who had been engaged in erecting another stage, and [George] Mason, the deceased, who was standing near the North gate of the church yard, and they placed planks and fresh pieces of upright timber as supports, in hopes of staying the evil.

Witness (Mr. Law), Thompson, and the deceased [George Mason] were under the stage so engaged, when witness (Law) heard a band playing, a great shouting, and stamping of feet. The stage then sunk rapidly, and [Law] exclaimed, “Good God we shall all be killed. ” He made a rush towards the front to escape and saw nothing more of the others. It was the centre of the stage that fell; the two ends remained firm. Every grave stone on which an upright was placed was broken, and almost every other stone.

The Coroner correctly concluded:

“ It was not a safe plan to place these uprights on the grave stones. They ought to have been placed on planks on strong pieces of timber laid parallel to the ground. How it was that this was not done he could not conceive, unless it was in the hurry and confusion, because he had originally erected the stage upon such a platform. The second stage, with which however he had nothing to do, was also erected on a platform. ”

Another witness, Mr. Ireson who together with his foreman superintended the construction of the last stage.

Witness (Mr. Ireson) was present when some of the uprights were placed on the grave stones. Cannot conceive how he should have overlooked the danger of doing so, except that he was so dreadfully excited and worried by the many alterations required, that he hardly knew what was doing. There were six or seven ministers insisting upon having it one way, and the Mayor and Corporation insisting on having it another. Has no hesitation in saying that the stage could not have fallen if it had been placed on a platform.

Observations were made by a Juror:

The stage must ultimately have given way without the stamping. If we had thought at all, but there was no thinking, we might have known the ground could not support such a stage. We were so pressed for time and so excited we hardly knew what we were doing.

The Coroner commented further:

The object of the alterations was principally to afford a better view of the Portico.

Thomas Thompson, a journeyman carpenter as described by Mr. Law, was on duty as a constable at the front of the church, was also called as a witness.

Mr. Law came and told him the stage was sinking, and begged him to go round and see what could be done. He and the deceased [George Mason] went immediately round and placed pieces of wood to support the stage. Mason took a sawing stool under to support the plank, and Thompson was by him when the stage gave way. Thompson was knocked down and stunned for a moment. When he recovered his senses he saw deceased on one knee with his head jammed between two planks. Thompson crawled out upon his hands and knees, and told John Smith, who was assisting the children off the stage, that a man was under it. Smith and some other men went and released him, and took him to the Infirmary.

Mr. Mash, House Surgeon to the Infirmary was then called:

He said the deceased was brought to [the Infirmary] a little after twelve o’clock. Mr. Nash was at the West Bridge when he heard of the accident. He went up immediately and saw deceased.

George Mason had suffered two serious head injuries from being crushed under the stage. He appears to have died the following Tuesday.

John Smith, referred to in Thomas Thompson ’ s evidence, was a Shoemaker of St. Edmund’s Terrace, and he too was a special constable on the day in question.

[He] was standing near the church when he heard two loud reports, which people at first took to be the cannon announcing Her Majesty’s arrival. But directly after it was said that the stage was falling. Witness (Smith) went into the church yard and saw poor Mason lying under the planks. His head was jammed between two planks. With some difficulty witness released him and brought him out to the edge of the pavement, and gave him into the hands of some persons who took him to the Infirmary. He bled very much. Witness’s own child was on the platform, and called out to him, “ Father, save me. ” He left [the] deceased to go and save his daughter.

Mr. Charles Ireson, builder, was employed in constructing the stage gave additional evidence.

It was not by his direction the uprights were placed on ground. He “ found labour and stuff ” . He thought it was oversight that planks were not used. It was a mystery altogether. Planks were used to the other two stages; they were essential to the safety of such a building. Could only suppose they were omitted in the hurry and confusion consequent on the alterations. [He] was not present when the building was begun, but certainly saw the props on Monday, sad the fact did not strike him that the planks were not there.

The Coroner, in his summing up, said :

… it was evident that if the platform [under the supports] had been used the accident would not have happened; but although there was negligence, yet there were extenuating circumstances in the fact of the hurry and difficulties under which the last building was erected.

In hindsight, it is perhaps surprising that “hurry and difficulties under which the last building was erected”, presumably referring to the change of design initiated by the Vicar and Mayor should be considered as “extenuating circumstances”.

The jury, after a brief consultation, returned a verdict of Accidental Death with a deodand of one sovereign on the timber. A deodand was an archaic legal process in which a fine was paid if an object or animal, for example, had caused a person ’ s death. The practice was abolished in 1846.

George Mason, the unfortunate deceased, was 45 years of age. He was brought up as a tailor, but had not worked at his trade for many years, and had gained a livelihood by jobbing about. He was unmarried and lived with his parents in Gregory Street and was buried at All Saints.

• Queen Victoria had only travelled by train for the first time in 1842. On this occasion, she would have travelled in the new Royal coach that had been built a year earlier by the directors of the London and Birmingham Railway. A similar coach, Queen Adelaide’s coach, also built by the London and Birmingham, is preserved in the National Railway Museum.
• Northampton Mercury, 16 November 1844
• Information supplied by James Sorrie
• Northampton Mercury, 23 November 1844
• Edmund Francis Law practiced in Northampton from 1837 until 1882 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Francis_Law

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Eleanor Cross study day

The eleanor cross.

The Eleanor cross

The Eleanor cross is a well known Northampton landmark. The cross was one of a series built by Edward I to mark the death of his Queen, Eleanor of Castile, who died in 1290. There were originally 12 that were erected between 1291 and 1295 marking the nightly resting places along the route taken when her body was transported to London. The Northampton cross is 1 of 3 surviving monuments.

In October 2019 Northampton Museums and Art Gallery held a study day on the Northampton cross and the story of Queen Eleanor. Experts came together to discuss why and how it was built, how our cross survived, recent conservation work and how it has been depicted in art. We would like to share with you some of the information from the day and signpost you to further information if you would like to know more. Enjoy these pages sumarising the presentations. The study day was part a programme of activity associated with the conservation of the cross by Northampton Borough Council.

One of the presentations considered depictions of the Eleanor cross in art.

The Eleanor Cross in Art

We run study days based on our collections and the history of Northampton. Find out more about future study days. Join our mailing list to find out about future study days.

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Pages in Eleanor Cross study day

• 1. The Eleanor Cross - You are here
• 2. Eleanor of Castile by Sara Cockerill
• 3. Edward I by Dr Andy King
• 4. The archaeology of medieval Northampton by Andy Chapman
• 5. Practical conservation, works carried out on the cross by Dr David Carrington
• 6. The development of the project by Henry Saunders
• 7. One of three in twelve by Dr Decca Warrington
• 8. The Eleanor Cross in art by Elizabeth Socci
• 9. A programme of sensitive repair by Jane Jennings
• 10. Building the Eleanor Crosses’ by Dr Jennifer S Alexander
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12th July 2024

Our thoughts are with the Royal Family following news that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has passed

"It has been announced by Buckingham Palace that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed away.

The Town Council and the people of Northampton are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Her Majesty. Our sincere condolences go to family members''.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, first visited in 1965 as a reigning monarch, along with her late husband the Duke of Edinburgh. She was met with cheering crowds as she drove through town. Her signature still remains in the Visitors' Book in the Mayor's Parlour of the Guildhall today.

In 1982, the Queen visited Northampton again to open the Express Lift Tower and view the Royal and Derngate which previously had not warrented its title of 'Royal' having never been given royal permission. However, following the Queen's visit in 1982, the name was finally justified.

A decade later, the Queen visited once more to open the new extension of Northampton's Guildhall, in 1992. She dined with notable locals including the Mayor, Councillors and the Bishop of Peterborough. They dined at the Guildhall and ate dishes such as Paté of Smoked Trout and Mackerel, Pot Roast Pheasant with Claret and Orange Sauce, followed by a Soufflé Grand Marnier, all finished up with tea and coffee. During this royal visit, the Queen also opened the new school site for Northampton High School. To mark the occasion the Queen planted a tree in the Cripps Courtyard.

Further information will be provided in due course.

More information: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61585886

Posted: Thu, 8 Sep 2022

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Queen Camilla enjoys girls' day out at Wimbledon amid Princess Kate's absence

The queen made a surprise appearance at the tennis tournament.

The Queen enjoyed a girls' day out with a special guest as she made a surprise appearance at Wimbledon .

Camilla, who turns 77 next week, was joined by her sister, Annabel Elliot, as the pair watched the action on the tenth day of the tennis tournament.

She was joined in the royal box on Centre Court by the King's nephew, Peter Phillips and his new girlfriend, Harriet Sperling, as well as famous faces, including actress Keira Knightley, racing driver George Russell, ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus and politician, William Hague.

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Other guests at SW19 on Wednesday included the Princess of Wales's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton , and the King's niece, Zara Tindall and her husband, Mike.

It's not yet known whether Kate , 42, will make an appearance at Wimbledon this year amid her ongoing cancer treatment. She said in a personal message ahead of Trooping the Colour last month that she has "good days and bad days" and that her "treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months".

However, the All England Club chair Debbie Jevans previously said that organisers are "staying flexible" over who will participate in the trophy presentation if Kate is unable to.

Debbie told Telegraph Sport : "We're hopeful that the Princess of Wales will be able to present the trophies as the Club's patron, but her health and recovery is the priority. 

“We don't know what we don't know. All we've said is that we'll work with her and give her as much flexibility as possible."

As the Queen arrived at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, she was introduced to individuals on the Players' Lawn who support The Championships as well as some of those taking part, including Ball Boy, Yug, from Harris Academy Wimbledon and Ball Girl, Natalia, from Burntwood School in Wandsworth.

Camilla told former player Laura Robson, who works in international player relations at Wimbledon, it was "so nice to be able to escape for a day".

She praised head gardener Martyn Falconer, who has worked at Wimbledon for 25 years and cares for all the plants around the grounds.

"It all looks fantastic. It always looks absolutely perfect," she told him.

The Queen looked elegant in a cream linen dress featuring large giraffe motifs by Anna Valentine, with a Jack Russell brooch from Van Cleef and Arpels. She previously wore the frock during an official visit to Kenya with the King last November.

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