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Histories of Northamptonshire

Welcome to the Histories of Northamptonshire Interactive Timeline

Explore the remarkable objects, stories, and events that have shaped Northamptonshire’s past. From the county’s geological origins to its vibrant modern identity, this interactive timeline offers a journey through millions of years of history.

Delve in to discover everyday items and extraordinary moments across five key time periods. Use the search function to find specific objects or events, or contribute your own story or object to become part of Northamptonshire’s timeline.

Developed by Northampton Museums & Art Gallery with support from Arts Council England, the timeline begins with highlights from the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition and the Beyond the 100 county-wide exhibition. It will continue to grow as new contributions are added by the museum and the public.

Start exploring now and help tell the ongoing story of Northamptonshire...

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

Featured objects

  • Painted canal stool in castles and roses style by Frank Nurser © NMAG
    Stuart to Georgian

    Frank Nurser Canal Stool

    Painted stool in Castles and Roses folkart style, used to decorate everyday items used by bargees, people who lived and worked on Northamptonshire's canal network.

  • Painted wall plaster from Roman villa bath house. © NMAG
    Roman and Early Medieval

    Roman Wall Plaster

    Painted wall plaster from the bath house wall of the Hunsbury Roman villa, with the rare depiction of a woman's face.

  • Obverse (head) of a Norman period silver penny minted in Northampton © NMAG
    Medieval to Tudor

    Norman Silver Penny

    Minted at Northampton in the years after the Norman Conquest, this silver penny dates from bewteen 1083 and 1087.

  • Shoemaker's wood and leather work bench © NMAG
    Modern

    Shoemaker's Bench

    This shoemaker's bench is evidence of the shoemaking trade before mechanisation aand factory manufacture when solitary shoemakers mostly worked in small workshops in their home.