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Histories of Northamptonshire

Explore the Histories of Northamptonshire Interactive Timeline

Medieval to Tudor

1066 to 1603 CE

As England's rulers change, stone castles and churches are built, markets and settlements flourish, and Northamptonshire plays a key role in national power struggles.

View summary
Medieval 1425 - 1475

Costrel

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

Leather drinking flask or costrel © NMAG
Medieval 1450

Brigstock Jewel

Mid-15th century jewelled brooch or hat pin found in Brigstock, within the medieval Rockingham Forest which covered large areas of Northamptonshire.

Gold and precious stone jewelled brooch or hat pin dating to mid-15th century © Victoria and Albert Museum
Medieval 1460

Battle of Northampton Cannonball

This lead cannonball is proof of the earliest use of cannons on a battlefield in England - the Battle of Northampton 1460.

Medieval lead cannonball fired during the Battle of Northampton in 1460 © NMAG
Medieval 1464 - 1499

Woodville Tiles

Medieval floor tiles decorated with the crests of the the Woodvilles and House of York. Laid as part of the floor at the Hermitage in Grafton Regis.

Medieval encaustic floor tiles depicting crests of the Woodville family and the House of York © NMAG
Medieval 1485 - 1538

King Henry VI Gold Figurine

Gold figurine depicting Henry VI as a saint which was possibly originally fixed to a larger vpprestigious object such as a crown.

Gold and enamelled figure depicting King Henry VI as a saint © The Trustees of the British Museum
Medieval 1250-1600

Potterspury Ware Jug

Potterspury ware jug found in the remains of a kiln excavated in the village of Potterspury.

Large pottery jug made in village of Potterspury, Northamptonshire © NMAG
Tudor 1518/9

Welford Cup

A silver cup, known as a Tudor grace cup, used as a domestic but ceremonial drinking cup passed around the table after prayers.

Tudor silver cup made in 1518/19. © The Trustees of the British Museum
Tudor 1581

Sir Christopher Hatton

Oil on wood panel painting of Sir Christopher Hatton, courtier to Queen Elizabeth I.

Double-sided oil painting of Sir Christopher Hatton, builder of Holdenby House in late 16th century. © NMAG