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Histories of Northamptonshire

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  • Dinosaur footprint cast, one of several found at Irchester Country Park. © NMAG

    Dinosaur Footprint

    This 166-million-year-old dinosaur footprint cast, found in Irchester, is Northamptonshire’s first dinosaur evidence, likely made by a Megalosaurus

    166 million years ago Geologic to Prehistoric

  • Large copper ball added to the cast iron Victorian Market Square fountain in Northampton in 1954. © NMAG

    Fountain Ball

    This copper ball was added in the 1950s to the Victorian ornate cast iron fountain installed in the Market Square, Northampton.

    Victorian 1863 Modern

  • Fossil screw pine - Pandanocarpum ooliticum (Carruthers) © NMAG

    Screw Pine Fossil

    This screw pine fossil is a rare type specimen. Parts of Jurassic Northamptonshire were submerged in a shallow warm sea and tropical plants thrived on the nearby land.

    168 million years ago Geologic to Prehistoric

  • Bronze cast from clay maquete produced by sculptor Henry Moore © NMAG

    Madonna and Child Maquette

    Maquette (preliminary model) for Madonna and Child statue at St Matthews Church, Northampton. It was commissioned from the now-famous sculptor Henry Moore.

    1944- 5 Modern

  • Leather drinking flask or costrel © NMAG

    Costrel

    Medieval leather flask (costrel) used for water or other drinks. Found in the Market Square, this example is embossed with a sword motif.

    Medieval 1425 - 1475 Medieval to Tudor

  • Carved sandstone from the medieval castle of Northampton © NMAG

    Northampton Castle Stone

    This carved piece of sandstone comes from Northampton Castle, one of the most significant castles in medieval England.

    Norman 11th century Medieval to Tudor

  • Painted wooden scout trek cart used by the 1st kettering Scout Group © NMAG

    Scout Trek Cart

    Scout Trek Cart used by the 1st Kettering Scout Group for expeditions and camps, possibly since the troop's formation in 1909.

    1909 - 1940 Modern

  • Treaty of Edinburgh signed at Northampton Castle in 1328. © National Records of Scotland

    Treaty of Edinburgh - Northampton

    In 1328, England's parliament met at Northampton Castle; where they agreed this peace treaty officially marking the end of the First War of Scottish Independence.

    Medieval 1328 Medieval to Tudor

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

    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.

    Georgian 1815 Stuart to Georgian

  • Hobby horse costume made for Yardley Gobion morris dance as part of May day celebrations © NMAG

    Hobby Horse

    Hobby horse costume worn for the Yardley Gobion Morris dance on May Day in the early 20th century.

    Victorian 1890-1910 Modern

  • Iron Age socketed axe made from cast iron © NMAG

    Iron Age Axe Head

    A socketed axe made by casting iron in a mould. It probably reflects the transition from bronze to iron metalworking in the early Iron Age.

    Iron Age 800 - 43 CE Geologic to Prehistoric

  • Langar Painting

    Painting of Langar

    A commissioned painting of Langar (Free Community Kitchen) by SCCYC SMN by Artistic Seva, Slough, demonstrating the value of Community & Equality. The painting showing communities from all faiths and castes cooking together, eating side by side on the floor and washing up together. Chosen as part of the extended exhibtion Beyond the 100 in 2025/26.

    1500 Medieval to Tudor

  • Reverse (tail) of Iron Age gold stater (coin) © NMAG

    Cunobelin Stater

    A Celtic gold stater minted in the late Iron Age, bearing the name of Cunobelin, ruler of the Catuvellauni and Trinovantes tribes.

    Iron Age 10 - 40 CE Geologic to Prehistoric

  • Carved stone from Eleanor Cross, Hardingstone. © NMAG

    Eleanor Cross

    This 13th century fragment of carved stone comes from the medieval cross located near Delapré Abbey, one of just three surviving Eleanor Crosses.

    Medieval 1291 - 1295 Medieval to Tudor

  • Ceramic model of the Tudor Triangular Lodge in Rushton, by artist Hugh Colvin in later 20th century © NMAG

    Triangular Lodge

    A modern ceramic model made by Hugh Colvin. It represents the Triangular Lodge, a late 16th century building in Rushton bulit by Thomas Tresham.

    Tudor 1593 - 7 Medieval to Tudor