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.
Today, we continue our journey through the villages around Northampton as we explore the charming villages of Upper and Lower Harlestone.
Upper and Lower Harlestone
The current villages of Upper and Lower Harlestone are characterised by their iconic, locally sourced sandstone and ironstone cottages interspersed with rolling hills and thick woodland.
Origins and Etymology: Unraveling the Name of the Villages
The villages’ name (which is spelt Erlestone, Herolvestone, and Herolvestune in early records) is likely Saxon or Danish in origin. It is believed to have come from the name of a local Saxon landowner.
Prehistoric Presence: Traces of Early Settlement
Whilst the modern villages are made up of mostly seventeenth-century buildings, having been built to provide accommodation and services to travellers heading to Northampton and to those working on the Harlestone and Althorpe estates, humans have occupied the area since pre-history.
Ancient Remnants: Discovering a Scheduled Ancient Monument
East of the village is a Scheduled Ancient Monument where the remains of a pre-historic settlement can be seen from aerial photography. Unsurprisingly, carved flint is often found around the villages and Harlestone quarry.
Roman Encounters: Traces of an Influential Era
Evidence of Roman activity has also been found. In 1927 a Roman dwelling and ironworks were uncovered in a nearby field alongside a hoard of over 800 Roman coins. This is unsurprising due to the villages’ close proximity to the Roman road of Watling Street and thus involvement in trade.
Shaping the Settlement: Post-Roman Development
The current settlement started to take shape in the post-Roman period. By the late 11th century Harelstone was a thriving agricultural community. It’s prosperity may have attracted Norse raiders who raided the settlement on several occasions.
Medieval Legacy: Wealthy Manors and Quarrying Industry
During the medieval period, Upper and Lower Harlestone hosted wealthy manors whose income relied upon agriculture and the thriving nearby quarries (which continue to operate today). Whilst neither manor survives, the dovecote in Upper Harlestone was once part of the vast medieval manorial complex.
Changing Times: From Tax Returns to Thomas Andrew
17th-century tax returns show that the village had 115 houses. In 1715 Thomas Andrew built Harlestone House, which helped shape the current villages’ as he is responsible for enclosing much of the surrounding farmland.
Althorp’s Influence: Harlestone House and Beyond
By 1829, the Andrew family had sold their estate to Althorp, which now dominates much of the area. Althorp’s ownership had a significant impact on the development and landscape of the villages.
Alexander Howes | June 2023
President of Northampton Together: The Civic Society for Northampton
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