Traditionally it has been an agricultural county, one of the English shires, hence its traditional description as the county of "spires and squires". As well as agriculture, though, it has also been the centre of the boot and shoe industry since at least the 18th century, and has a long-established limestone and ironstone quarrying industry in the East of the county. The county is well wooded, with deer still making their home in Rockingham and Salcey Forests. Probably the artist who has best captured the spirit of the county is Carry Akroyd - her website gives an indication of how well she interprets both the Northampton countryside and our native poet John Clare.

Skylark by Carry Akroyd

Northamptonshire is steeped in history. In 1587 Mary, Queen of Scots was beheaded at Fotheringhay in the East of the county. The Battle of Naseby was fought here in 1645. Sulgrave Manor, home of George Washington's family, lies at the West of the county and, of course, Diana, Princess of Wales is buried here.

More recently, many World War II airfields were based in the county. The USAAF flew missions from bases at Chelveston, Deenethorpe, Harrington (which now has an Aviation Museum), Kings Cliffe, Polebrook, Spanhoe, and Grafton Underwood. The steel works at Corby also made their contribution by producing PLUTO (Pipe Line Under The Ocean) which provided fuel for the Allied advances in Normandy after D-Day.

There is another aspect to Northamptonshire; the county is home to Silverstone Circuit, the heart of motor racing in the UK. 1998 was the year in which Silverstone celebrated its 50th anniversary as a motor sport circuit; before that it was a World War II bomber base. Silverstone is also the home of the Jordan Formula 1 team.

Nearby at Northampton is the headquarters of Cosworth Engines who for a quarter of a century have produced world championship Formula One and Indycar winning engines under their own and Ford's name. Also in the county is Ilmor Engineering, who produce the Mercedes-badged engine for the McLaren Formula One team. Like Cosworth, they are past winners of the classic Indianapolis 500 race. So the county also produces world-beating engineering products.

Last, but not least, the county is host to the World Conker Championships. What more can one ask from "The Rose of the Shires"!

Last updated 24 September 1999