Desborough's origins lie in the
Bronze Age some 2000 years BC. Initially hunter-gatherers but developing
domestic husbandry and agriculture. Urns from this period have been found in
and around the town.
By the Iron Age, about 750 BC, Desborough had become
the base of an important family. Archaeological finds at burial sites point
to a high-standing family of wealth and influence. One of the items found is
the Desborough Mirror dating from the 1st century BC. A masterful example of
Celtic art it is fashioned in bronze and is decorated in the La Tene style,
intricate patterns of interwoven spirals, loops and swirls. The Mirror is
part of the British Museum collection.
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Such wealth and influence was
still apparent in the 7th century AD. An Anglo-Saxon necklace found in one
of several graves discovered in the Paddock lane area comprises 37 gold
beads with a gold cross set with a red garnet. This too is kept in the
British Museum. Near St Giles Church large masonry
blocks have been uncovered. Some may have been gravestones while others are
thought to have been part of a stone cross decorated with Biblical scenes.
They are on display in the church.
The Desborough Mirror
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To the south of the church in
the fields known as the Damms are traces of what are believed to have been
Anglo-Saxon fortifications. The area is reputed have been the site of a
battle between the Saxon town inhabitants and raiding Danes. Desborough may
take its name from 'Disburg,' a sacred fortified place. However, the
Domesday Book refers to the settlement as 'Dereburg', 'Desburgh' and 'Deisburg'
all of which mean 'a place of judgement.' Whatever the derivation of the
name, Desborough was a locally imporant place.
St Giles Church
is the oldest surviving building in the town having been built in about 1225
AD. It is believed to stand on the site of an earlier Saxon church.
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St Giles Church |
Within St Giles Church are relics of the town's history. Part of an
Anglo-Saxon cross carved from stone may be found there along with a Tudor
rood screen and reminders of the Civil War. Close by the church is Church
House. This is an 18th century building and across the road is the 19th
century Desborough House with its stucco and Doric pillars, now the Services
Club.
Church House |
The Services Club |
| A trip up Gold
Street takes you to the Old Manor House, now extended, but retaining many
features of its late 17th century origins. A lawyer, Ferdinando Poulton, was
a Roman Catholic who was Lord of the Manor. he is reputed to have been part
of the Gunpowder Plot. A descendant, Charles Poulton, became a Jesuit priest
and was persecuted, had to live rough in local woods to escape and was
eventually caught and died aged 70 in Newgate Prison. |
In the 17th
century the town developed as a spinning and weaving centre. using local
wool and flax, the town's factories produced fine cloth and linen until the
mid 19th century. Silk weaving then developed in a Paddock Lane factory.
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To counter
exploitation by agents and employers, local men founded the Desborough
Co-operative Society in 1863. Starting with local shops and then a corset
and lingerie factory, the Desborough Co-op still has a department store, a
bank, a supermarket, a travel agents, a ladies shoe and clothing shop and a
couple of corner stores. The Co-op Corset Factory is now owned by Eveden Ltd
making lingerie and swimwear. The former Co-op Sports Ground with its
football field and tennis courts is now the site of a major housing
development called Desbeau Park. Desbeau was the name of one of the range of
lingerie made at the Corset Factory. |
