Northampton

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Northampton Northamptonshire

Approximate Population: 202,800

Northampton became significant in the 11th century, when the Normans built town walls and a large castle under the stewardship of the Norman earl, Simon de Senlis.  The original defence line of the walls is preserved in today’s street pattern (Bridge St, The Drapery, Bearward St and Scarletwell Street). The town grew rapidly after the Normans arrived, and beyond the early defences.   By the time of the Domesday Book, the town had a population of about 1500 residents, living in 300 houses.

The town and its castle were important in the early 12th century and the King often held Court in the town. During his famous fall out with Henry II, Thomas Becket at one time escaped from Northampton Castle through the unguarded Northern gate to flee the country.

Northampton had a large Jewish population in the 13th century, centred around Gold Street.   In 1277 300 Jews were executed, allegedly for clipping the King’s coin, and the Jews of Northampton were driven out of the town.

The town was originally controlled by officials acting for the King who collected taxes and upheld the law.   In 1189 King Richard I gave the town its first charter.   In 1215 King John authorised the appointment of William Tilly as the town’s first Mayor and ordered that: ‘twelve of the better and more discreet residents of the town join him as a council to assist him’.   In 1176 the Assize of Northampton laid down new powers for dealing with law breakers.

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Northampton Northamptonshire