Welcome to our series of short articles on the villages, history, and architecture of Northamptonshire. We are delighted to have local historian and President of Northampton Together: The Civic Society for Northampton, Alexander Howes as our guide.
Along with his trusty dog Benji, Alex will be visiting the villages and hidden architectural sites of Northamptonshire and uncovering the history behind them.
Alex & Benji
From the charming, thatched cottages of Cogenhoe to the picturesque green of Moulton, each village has its own unique character and quirks that make it special. By delving into the past, we hope to provide a glimpse into what makes these villages such wonderful places to live, work and play, and to celebrate the history, architecture and people who have contributed to their growth and development.
So, whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer to the area, we hope you will enjoy learning more about the villages and architecture around Northampton and the rich history that lies behind them, as told through the eyes of Alex and his faithful companion Benji.
Our journey through the Northamptonshire countryside begins with the village of Boughton, known for its Roman and Prehistoric populations, medieval fairs, and a once-famous grass maze:
Boughton
Boughton is a small but rapidly growing village located on the edge of Northampton. The name derives from the Anglo-Saxon Bucca meaning ‘he-goat’ farm, presumably referencing farming practices that once existed in the village.
Prehistoric and Roman Settlements in Boughton
Boughton is known to have been settled before the Anglo-Saxon era with evidence of both Prehistoric and Roman populations. Multiple Bronze Age barrows have even been found in the surrounding area. The most notable of these was a bowl barrow which was found alongside many Bronze Age artefacts. Roman pottery is regularly found around the green, thus indicating the presence of an old Roman settlement.
Boughton’s Medieval Settlement
Despite this already impressive history, the earliest written record of “Boughton” isn’t found until the Domesday Book which described a village comprising 39 households. It even records the existence of a motte and Bailey castle (within the current Pocket Park) which was likely built for the then landlord, Countess Judith, niece of William the Conqueror. This medieval settlement was located to the Northeast of the current village but had been abandoned by the late 16th century in favour of the current 17th-century village.
Boughton Fair
Naturally, such a large and active settlement hosted a large fair. Boughton fair was known countywide throughout the medieval and early modern period thus making Boughton a regional economic and cultural hub.
The Shepherd’s Race Maze
Interestingly, the village once hosted a large grass maze, called ‘The Shepherd’s Race’, which was first recorded in 1364 and survived until, as recently as, 1916 when it was destroyed by military training exercises. Many local traditions sprang up around this maze which included secular matching games where young men would race to the centre where a local unmatched girl would be waiting for them.
Boughton’s Follies
In addition to the historic buildings in the village’s centre, there are multiple follies dotted across the surrounding countryside. These include the Spectacle, the Obelisk and the Grotto. Unfortunately, I did not have time to visit them, but they are all definitely worth visiting if you ever find yourself in Boughton.
Alexander Howes | April 2023
President of Northampton Together: The Civic Society for Northampton
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