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Explore the Histories of Northamptonshire Interactive Timeline

Modern

1837 to Present

Industrial development, the extension of transport links, and social reforms create a growing Northamptonshire with a vibrant and diverse history to explore.

View summary
1980

60 Miles by Road or Rail

Released in 1980 this "novelty record" began life as an advertising jingle intended to promote Northampton as a great place for people to move to.

Vinyl record and sleeve released in 1980 entitled 60 Miles by Road or Rail © NMAG
1978

Royal Theatre Safety Curtain (“Sipario Dipinto”)

The Royal Theatre Safety Curtain, painted in 1978 by Northampton-based artist Sir Henry Bird, is both a vital safety feature and a striking work of art.

Safety curtain at Royal Theatre, Northampton © Photo by Marc Brenner
2005

Kinky Boots

Boots made for the film Kinky Boots - telling the story of entrepeneurialism in the county's shoe manufacturing industry in the late 1990s.

Over the knee, high heeled boots made as props for the 2005 film Kinky Boots © NMAG
1999

Dressed Northamptonshire Sandstone

A small piece of sandstone quarried and dressed for use in the modern repairs to the 16th century Manor House in Great Doddington.

Piece of dressed Northamptonshire sandstone © NMAG
2013

Formula 1 Car

Formula 1 racing car, designed and built by Force India at their headquarters in Silverstone, home of British motorsport.

Force India Formula 1 racing car from the 2013 season © NMAG
2018

Corby Processions Banner (to celebrate 100 years of Votes for Women)

Created in 2018 for PROCESSIONS, a national project marking 100 years of Votes for Women, this banner embodies Corby’s activist spirit and was one of 100 different commissions to commemorate 100 years women’s suffrage.

Processions banner 2018 © Kate Dyer
2020

Northampton Town Football Club 2020 League 2 Play Off Trophy

Won at Wembley in June 2020 in a final played behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions, Northampton Town Football Club took the trophy around Northampton visiting people as part of a project to support those who were suffering loneliness or were isolating during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Ryan Watson with League 2 Play off trophy 2020 © Pete Norton