Mike is on the right track, but a colourful history alone will not make Northampton a tourist hotspot. Most of that history e.g. the castle has vanished. The Market Square should instead focus on "made in Northamponshire": every shoe firm should have a rent fland rates free shop on the market square. F1 souvenir shops, rugby/football/cricket goods. Northants flatbread bakery (seen just this morning in Oundle) or what about the new Northamptonshire sauce? Once a hub is created others will follow. Scrap these fatuous notions of a broken sewage pipe masquerading as a water feature: either build a proper fountain, or don't bother.
Northampton with its heritage of leather and shoe makers should be celebrated. There is a struggling Leather Museum hidden away which need recognition. A permanent home and funding. Its important to the town it would be criminal for this collection to end up in London.
When there is such heritage chronicled here why does Northampton need to become a city. It's strength has come from its geography and the people living here and its evolution should continue as a town. There is much in Mike Ingram's account that could serve as a model for the development of the town to celebrate its past but also to define its future as a town - where quality of life and work, trade and recreation relevant to a zero-emission, a green (and circular) economy are interrelated and that can present an example to the evolution of other places. As it is we are very far behind a vision for our towns future. Becoming a city in name only is not the answer unless there are true visionaries behind its development plans and who have listened with intent to those of us who live here and are interested in its future. I'm sure Mike Ingram wouldn't be averse to digging up concrete on the market square for well designed gardens, green walls and seating areas!
So sad to lose such a man, his well researched work was always most enjoyable. He has left a lasting legacy and I hope his suggestions come to fruition.
WOW, amazing history. We need to keep and exhibit our story for all to know and see. Let's be proud of our town again. Our market square and it's market used to be so well known and people would come from all around to visit it.
It would be good to add to a petition supporting this.
A remarkable exposition of what the heart of Northampton could be.
Mike is on the right track, but a colourful history alone will not make Northampton a tourist hotspot. Most of that history e.g. the castle has vanished. The Market Square should instead focus on "made in Northamponshire": every shoe firm should have a rent fland rates free shop on the market square. F1 souvenir shops, rugby/football/cricket goods. Northants flatbread bakery (seen just this morning in Oundle) or what about the new Northamptonshire sauce? Once a hub is created others will follow. Scrap these fatuous notions of a broken sewage pipe masquerading as a water feature: either build a proper fountain, or don't bother.
When was the ladt refurbishment of the market
Northampton with its heritage of leather and shoe makers should be celebrated. There is a struggling Leather Museum hidden away which need recognition. A permanent home and funding. Its important to the town it would be criminal for this collection to end up in London.
When there is such heritage chronicled here why does Northampton need to become a city. It's strength has come from its geography and the people living here and its evolution should continue as a town. There is much in Mike Ingram's account that could serve as a model for the development of the town to celebrate its past but also to define its future as a town - where quality of life and work, trade and recreation relevant to a zero-emission, a green (and circular) economy are interrelated and that can present an example to the evolution of other places. As it is we are very far behind a vision for our towns future. Becoming a city in name only is not the answer unless there are true visionaries behind its development plans and who have listened with intent to those of us who live here and are interested in its future. I'm sure Mike Ingram wouldn't be averse to digging up concrete on the market square for well designed gardens, green walls and seating areas!
Bishop Big Head sounds quite a character!
So sad to lose such a man, his well researched work was always most enjoyable. He has left a lasting legacy and I hope his suggestions come to fruition.
WOW, amazing history. We need to keep and exhibit our story for all to know and see. Let's be proud of our town again. Our market square and it's market used to be so well known and people would come from all around to visit it.