Irchester
Irchester maps (2 available)
Map of Northamptonshire
Beautifully hand-drawn and coloured, dating from around 1840
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Irchester books (8 available)
- 4 photos on Irchester appear in 1 Frith books - View photos of Irchester
- Read extracts and see photos from these books on Irchester and Northamptonshire
Irchester memories
Read and share memories of Irchester and Northamptonshire inspired by Frith photos
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You can also read memories of nearby places in Northamptonshire below.
Northamptonshire memories
The Nags Head
One did'nt have to travel to London to watch pro bands plying their trade.The Nags Head public house was a much attended venue during the late 60's and early 70's for watching many of the (what was then known as) progressive bands of that era. The pub was run by the a very large man by the name of Bob Knight, Bob was a God send to Northamptonshire in attracting many bands from London to play in our county. These were the days of Afghan coats, velvet trousers, large floppy hats and ridiculous stack heeled boots! 'Make love not war' was well and truly in fashion and although the place was full every Friday night I never witnessed any trouble there ...read more here
A memory of Wollaston contributed by Mick Austin
Swangate Centre
All the buildings on the left of the picture (nearly all Co-Op shops) were demolished to make way for the new Arndale Centre (now Swangate). Most of the local population still mourn the passing of this part of the old town. The public house at the top of Midland Road was The Old Kings Arms (this became Jones the furnishers and then a carpet shop)
A memory of Wellingborough contributed by Mick Austin
The Lyric Cinema
The Bedford O Type lorry is delivering fruit & Veg and belonged to Mackness Produce (a local firm) on the right is the old 'Cosy Cafe' which I remember 'doing' a great toasted tea cake and cup of tea. The Co-Op buildings are farther down (I bought my first 'stereo' hi-fi system from there on HP) I remember the Co-Op having an island shop window (you could walk all around it) it always facinated me as a young lad. Lower down the street was the Lyric cinema, The Lyric was always a cut above the Palace cinema in terms of decoration, on Saturdays they held a matinee which featured a live local group and cartoons, kids from Wellingborough all wore the ...read more here
A memory of Wellingborough contributed by Mick Austin
The Palace Cinema
The pub on the left of the picture was renowned for a few brawls in it's time, originally called The Globe (now known as Raferty's) I recall walking down Cambridge St and seeing a man being hurled through the window into the street. The United Counties Bristol bus is parked outside the old Palace Cinema (better known by locals as the 'flea pit') These were the days of ice cream ladies in the interval, watching films through a haze of cigarette smoke and plastic orange drink cartons being squashed noisely to be followed very quickly by a cinema usher shining a torch in your face and escorting you off the premises.The Palace was renowned for having seats situated behind columns that ...read more here
A memory of Wellingborough contributed by Mick Austin
Extracts From Irchester & Northamptonshire books
The High Street continues north, downhill towards the parish church, while the through road was widened and improved in 1950s. The result was the removal of the bay windowed 1890s houses on the far right. Otherwise little has changed.
An extract from from"Northamptonshire Living Memories".
The village expanded with the boot and shoe works in the later 19th century, but the original stone village survives. Irchester, as the name suggests, was a Roman town and some earthworks survive nearer the River Nene. These stone cottages were demolished in the 1950s and the site is now the access road to St Katherine’s Way. Behind is the spire of the medieval parish church.
An extract from from"Northamptonshire Living Memories".
Here we can see the war memorial at the junction of High Street, Wollaston Road and Farndish Road, with steps leading up to the tall monument surmounted by a cross. There is an additional poignant plaque at its foot commemorating an air raid on 20th May 1941, in which nine villagers were killed. Beyond are 1890s houses, now unpleasantly re-windowed.
An extract from from"Northamptonshire Living Memories".
Between Rushden and Urchester lies Knuston Hall, situated in parkland leading down to an artificial lake. A complex house architecturally with 17th-, 18th- and 19th-century elements, it has long been owned by Northamptonshire County Council and used for residential and day courses. Now ‘Knuston Hall Conference Centre and College of Adult Education,’ it is well known for its thatching courses.
An extract from from"Northamptonshire Living Memories".
The pavilion in the park became popular locally for celebrations and company dinners. One of Charles Wicksteed’s nventions was a machine for the tearooms, which cut and buttered bread. As he grew older, Charles Wicksteed would often visit the park in a two-seater car, with his terrier, Jerry, sitting in the passenger seat. In 1927 Jerry disappeared on one of these outings. He was never found, and in his memory his master had a statue erected in the gardens of the park, with a commemorative verse: Closely bound to a human heart, Little brown dog, you had your part In the levelling, building, staying of streams In the Park that arose from your Master’s dreams.’
An extract from from"Kettering Town and City Memories".