Items unearthed indicate that by the Iron Age Desborough was home to a prestigious and wealthy family. 

One of the items found is the Desborough Mirror that dates from the first century.  It is described as a masterpiece of Celtic artistry and its bronze is decorated with an intricate pattern of interwoven swirls and loops. 

A seventh century Anglo-Saxon necklace comprising 37 gold beads with a gold cross inset with a rich red garnet was found in a grave off Paddock Lane.  It is believed to be one of the earliest symbols of Christianity found in this country.

Along with the Desborough Mirror, the necklace is kept  in the British Museum.

In 2002 archeologists excavating parts of an Iron Age settlement by the River Ise (before it was covered by the Desborough/Rothwell A6 bypass) found flints there of the much earlier Stone Age, probably 10,000 years old.

More details of the many archeological finds from 8000 BC to 7AD can be seen in the Heritage centre.

To the south of the church, in the field known as The Damms traces of earthworks have been found.  These are believed to be the remains of an Anglo Saxon settlement's fortifications.

Desborough may have taken its name from 'Disburg,' a sacred fortified place.  However, the Domesday Book refers to it as 'Dereburg,' 'Desburg' and 'Deisburg' meaning a place of judgement.  Whatever its roots, Desborough was most likely a local power base.