Northamptonshire

Towns & Villages

CORBY

Corby Boating Lake - Photo: Nigel Cox CCL

Lying on the edge of Rockingham Forest, the steel town of Corby dates back at least to the 8th century when Danes settled here. These strangers introduced the bizarre tradition of the Pole Fair, which still takes place once every 20 years. It involves readings of the Royal Charter – granted by Elizabeth 1 in 1568 - at special toll gates around the town, followed by a carnival. Anyone who fails to pay a toll is carted off to the stocks.
 

The town became famous in the mid-20th century when a Scottish company moved here to open a steelworks and exploit local deposits of iron ore. The ore has been mined for many centuries and royal furnaces existed even at the time of Edward the Confessor.

Rockingham Castle stands nearby on the summit of a hill over the River Welland. With stunning gardens, it dates back to the reign of William the Conqueror.

Corby is also well placed for visits to Brigstock Country Park, Kirby Hall and the important nature reserve of King’s Wood. Nearby Deene Park House is a sprawling Georgian mansion set in beautiful gardens.

The main entrance to Rockingham Castle - Photo: Brian Coleman CCL