ON THE River Nene, 13 miles from Peterborough and 80 miles from London, Oundle is one of North­amptonshire’s hidden treasures. The town centre, built of Jurassic limestone, speaks of the town’s long-standing tradition as a trading post and market town. Oundle is connected by bus to Peterborough and Corby, is eight miles from the A1, and five miles from the A14.

What to see and do?

St Peter’s was built in the 13th century, and its striking 210-foot-high steeple is the largest in Northamptonshire. Its history can be traced back to the founding of a monastery in the area by St Wilfred, in the early eighth century.

Oundle School is one of the country’s oldest public schools, with a tradition going back to its founding by Sir William Laxton, Master of the Worshipful Company of Grocers and Lord Mayor of London, in 1556. The current buildings date from the 17th to the 20th century, and are some­times open to the public. Its chapel was built in 1923 as a memorial to the fallen of the Great War, and its apse windows by John Piper are a highlight of 20th-century English stained glass.

The Old Courthouse (below), on Mill Road, is home to the Oundle Museum, which has a permanent exhibition on local history and the brewing industry, which was once of great importance to the town.

Eating out

There are several traditional public houses that offer real ale and good food in an unspoilt atmosphere. On the marketplace, there are a number of old-fashioned shops, including Stu-Pots, the most wonderful and inspir­ing kitchenware shop I have ever seen. A weekly farmers’ market on Thurs­days offers a wide range of local produce.

Events

The Oundle International Festival takes place annually in late July. The programme ranges from street theatre to big-name organ recitals. There is also a renowned summer school for young organists. The Oundle Festival of Literature, with its talks, lectures, children’s events, and workshops, is held in March.

Near by

The site of Fotheringhay Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was executed in 1587, is only a short drive away. The Chantry Chapel at Higham Ferrers, which has splendid perpendicular architecture, was built in the 15th century and has a porch with “1636” inscribed in the framework, along with schoolboy carvings of the 17th and 18th centuries.

www.east-northantsonline.co.uk
www.oundlemuseum.org.uk/
www.oundlefestival.org.uk/

Natalie K. Watson