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Pictures of Rothwell

a Historic Market Town in the county of Northamptonshire

Squires hill just off the High street, Rothwell, Northamptonshire

About Rothwell

Interesting market town, with a long history, its market charter was granted in 1204. This event is traditionally celebrated the Monday following Trinity Sunday, or the Spring Bank Holiday as it is now known, when the town becomes crammed with visitors from all over.

There are many lovely old buildings in and around the town, the Nunnery is especially interesting, it stands close to the site of a medieval Priory founded by the powerful Care family, who where Lords of the Manor. This was quite possible the original convent home of the 'Poor Clare' order. The convent closed at the time of the dissolution. It is thought the present house incorporates parts of the earlier building.

The historic market house is one of the town's most beautiful buildings. It was built by Sir Thomas Tresham, who because of his catholic faith, was often imprisoned during the persecution. Thomas was known as 'Thomas the Builder' because of his passion for erecting unusual buildings. The market house is designed in the shape of a cross, and as at the time Thomas was unable to openly practice his faith, this was probably a deliberate gesture of defiance. Decorative friezes depict the Tresham coats of arms, and the coats of arms of other influential Northamptonshire families. Sir Thomas Tresham was the grandfather of Francis Tresham, one of the conspirators in the Gunpowder plot.

Rushton Hall, the stunning Elizabethan home of the Treshams' lies two miles north-east of Rothwell. It was built of local stone in around 1438, and was occupied by the Tresham family for over two hundred years. It is a house of magnificent proportions, with stunning historical arte-facts. Interestingly, Rushton Hall, now a luxury hotel, continues to celebrate the gunpowder plot on 5th November, this year being the 400th anniversary.

Holy Trinity Church is both impressive and beautiful. Its crypt contains thousands of bones uncovered by a sexton while digging a grave in 1700. No one has ever been able to establish how they came to be there. The church can be found adjacent to the market square, it dates from the 14th-century, has a sturdy clock-face tower, and is one of the longest parish churches in England. It is surrounded on three sides by a peaceful churchyard containing graves of local families.

Jesus Hospital was founded for poor men in 1585. These atmospheric buildings, set around a central courtyard are now converted into apartments for the elderly. The manor house is a building from the 18th-century. It is noted for its impressive facade and elegant ionic columns.

With some well known inns, good shopping, plenty to see and do, Rothwell offers a pleasant place from which to explore some of the loveliest parts of England. Northamptonshire is often called the county of squires and spires, and these together with rivers and forests dominate the beautiful surrounding countryside.

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Hotels & Accommodation in Rothwell

Book the Rushton Hall in Rushton, Kettering, Northamptonshire, England4 stars

Rushton Hall

Rushton, Kettering, Northamptonshire, England (1.6 miles, 2.6 km, direction NE)
Rushton Hall hotel and restaurant is the epitome of elegance. Rushton Hall is an elegant country house hotel. You'll find 30 luxurious en suite bedrooms, each with its own unique design, comfort and...
More info and book online..  Price from £110.00

Book the Travel Plaza in Harborough Road, Desborough, Northamptonshire, England2 stars

Travel Plaza

Harborough Road, Desborough, Northamptonshire, England (2.8 miles, 4.4 km, direction NW)
This recently refurbished hotel boasts 31 generously sized rooms fitted as standard with King sized beds. The hotel also has its own Asian themed restaurant offering the best in authentic Indian cuisi...
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Book the Comfort Inn Kettering in Market Place, Kettering, Northamptonshire, England

Comfort Inn Kettering

Market Place, Kettering, Northamptonshire, England (3.6 miles, 5.8 km, direction SE)
A traditional hotel in a pretty market town 10 miles from Althorp House. We are well known for our conference and banqueting facilities. The Comfort Inn/Royal Hotel is situated in the heart of Kette...
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Book the Copperfield Hotel in 66 Northampton Rd, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England3 stars

Copperfield Hotel

66 Northampton Rd, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England (6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction NW)
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Book the  Best Western Three Swans Hotel in 21 High St, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England3 stars

Best Western Three Swans Hotel

21 High St, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England (6.4 miles, 10.2 km, direction NW)
The Three Swans Hotel is a Coaching Inn, situated in the town centre, with 60 well appointed bedrooms. Our elegant Swans Restaurant is renowned thoughout the county offering a La Carte, Table d'Hote l...
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Nearby travel help

Kettering Station(3.6 miles, 5.7 km, direction SE)
Market Harborough Station(6.0 miles, 9.7 km, direction NW)
M1 Junction 18(15.7 miles, 25.2 km, direction W)
M1 Junction 17(15.8 miles, 25.4 km, direction SW)
East Midlands Airport(35.9 miles, 57.7 km, direction NW)
Birmingham International Airport(39.5 miles, 63.6 km, direction W)
Rothwell to London(69.5 miles, 111.8 km, direction SE)

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