Go back in time over 100 years with a guided stroll around the heritage sites of World War 1 in Northampton. Leave the 21st Century behind as you are taken back to our County town between 1914-1918 and meet some of the people who played a role in winning the war.

Part 1 – Abington Park to the Cenotaph in Wood Hill:

• We begin at this beautiful location and hear how Northampton’s people contributed so much to the war effort. We hear about the famous tank that was given to the park after the war and a local man who was awarded the Victoria Cross. 

• The route takes us down the Wellingborough Road and we pass the home of a German man who saved the town from bankruptcy but was then run out of town in 1914.

• Barry School is then visited and we discover how it was turned into a military hospital and all about the doctor, nurses and patients. 

• We then find out who the “East Street Bantam Fusiliers” were, before hearing all about the Welsh Division who made such a great impression in the town, especially on the Prime Minister and his wife.

• In Abington Square we visit the bust of Edgar Mobbs and hear his amazing story. We then move into the Town Centre and visit the site of a massive shoe factory that contributed so much to the war effort – boots, men and controversy!

• We then arrive at the Cenotaph in Wood Hill, but not before we discover the Taylor Memorial building in Castilian Street, what happened at the Guildhall and Heroes Day in Abington Street.

Part 2 - Cenotaph in Wood Hill to the Racecourse:

• We make our way to Cloutsham Street, where 100 men signed up and over 20 never returned home. We hear the incredible story of local legend Wallace “Digger” Pugh.

• The TA Centre is our next stop and we discover what happened to the young men who made up the 4th Territorial Battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment.

• We finish this section on the Racecourse and learn how this famous landmark played such a vital role in the war. We find out what was the “Racecourse throat”!

Part 3 – Racecourse to Abington Park:

• We pass the homes of several Northampton war heroes and tell their stories, as well as visiting a beautiful and unusual church war memorial.

• We stroll down Clarke Road and pass the homes of more Great War soldiers, before hearing the sad story of Captain Noel Clark and his parents who tried to see him before he died.

• The walk ends at Abington Park and we hear how Northampton’s people contributed so much to the war effort. We learn about the famous tank that was given to the park after the war and a local man who was awarded the Victoria Cross.

1. Walks are  limited to 10 people;

2. The dates and times are flexible and can be mutually agreed;

3. There is no charge. Instead you may wish to make a donation to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity – the national charity of the British Army;

4. The tours are fully illustrated with images of soldiers, buildings and Northampton in the Great War;

5. This is a hobby for me, not a job!