Northborough brings together a historic village centre, medieval building history and traces of much earlier settlements. The Northborough Conservation Area covers the village’s historic centre. Its buildings include examples made from Barnack ragstone, as well as roofs of Collyweston slate or thatch. Together, these bring a variety of building materials and roof styles. If, when travelling, you pay attention not only to individual buildings but also to the character of a place, this architectural setting offers a starting point: Northborough’s history stretches from early signs of settlement to specific surviving medieval building features.

Medieval Building History and Notable Buildings

Northborough Manor House was built by the de la Mare family between 1330 and 1340. A hall and a gatehouse survive from the house. The original spiral staircase is inside the gatehouse and is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The date of construction and surviving parts of the building offer an insight into the house’s history; the staircase is also a protected historic feature in its own right. Those interested in medieval architecture will find several specific aspects here that can be considered separately.

The Church of St Andrew also has its own building history: its large south chapel was built around 1330–1350. Mrs Oliver Cromwell is buried beneath the chapel. Northborough’s cemetery is on the other side of the lane, opposite the church. This makes it easy to distinguish the chapel and the cemetery: the burial is beneath the chapel, while the cemetery is across the lane.

Another historic building is Clare House, an 18th-century cottage. The poet John Clare lived in the house for ten years. This adds a later residence with a specific literary connection to the medieval building history. If you are interested in architecture and people’s lives, Clare House offers a different perspective from Manor House and the Church of St Andrew.

Early Settlement Traces and Walks

Northborough’s history did not begin with its medieval buildings. Throughout the village, there are signs of settlements from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman periods. Archaeological excavations uncovered a flint tool, pottery and animal bones that are thousands of years old. These finds and evidence from several periods offer a distinct perspective on the place’s past—far earlier than the building histories of Manor House and the chapel.

For a different perspective on Northborough, its paths and riverbanks are well suited to an evening walk. This is a separate focus from the historic buildings and early settlement history. When planning your visit, you can therefore decide whether to focus mainly on building history, traces from different periods or an evening walk.

Northborough thus brings together several themes that span different periods and experiences: Manor House, the Church of St Andrew and Clare House represent different building and life stories; the archaeological finds reach further back in time; and the paths and riverbanks offer an opportunity to add an evening walk to your stay. You can choose what to focus on during your visit according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Peterborough, Barnack, Helpston, Ufford, Wansford.

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