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Histories of Northamptonshire

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  • Discarded (partially worked) antler chess pieces © NMAG

    Bishop and Queen Chess Pieces

    These two discarded 12th century antler chess pieces were made in a workshop and are evidence of Northampton as a bustling medieval centre.

    Norman 1100 - 1199 Medieval to Tudor

  • watercolour painting of Abington Park

    Watercolour painting of Abington Park

    Watercolour painting of ‘Abington Park’ c. 1920, by Northamptonshire Artist, Thurston Laidlaw Shoosmith (1865-1933)

    1920 Modern

  • Everard Bouverie cavalry sword © Delapre Abbey

    Everard Bouverie's Waterloo Sword

    A cavalry officer’s heavy sword carried in the Battle of Waterloo, 1815. It is 102cm long, with a matching scabbard. It is made from metal with decoration on the blade called blue and gilt, which has now faded.

    1812 Stuart to Georgian

  • 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

  • Length of iron broad gauge railway track © NMAG

    Brunel Broad Gauge Bridge Rail

    The railway came to Northamptonshire in the mid-1800s with the Broad Gauge track of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's Great Western Railway and a station at Aynho.

    Victorian 1840s Modern

  • Engine shed northampton © Univesrity of Northampton

    The Engine Shed - University of Northampton

    The Engine Shed is a Grade II listed former railway building which was restored for the building of the new Univesrity of Northampton campus at Waterside, Northampton.

    1870 Modern

  • 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

  • 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

  • Roman lucet from Orton Waterville (formerly part of Northamptonshire and Soke of Peterborough) © Peterborough Museum

    Roman Lucet

    A lucet was used to make braids and cords. Found at a Roman military site this is the earliest example found in Britain or Europe.

    Roman 45 - 65 CE Roman and Early Medieval