Burton Latimer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Burton Latimer |
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 Burton Wold Wind Farm |
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 Burton Latimer
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| Population | 10,444 (2021 census) |
| OS grid reference | SP901749 |
| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | KETTERING |
| Postcode district | NN15 |
| Dialling code | 01536 |
| Police | Northamptonshire |
| Fire | Northamptonshire |
| Ambulance | East Midlands |
| EU Parliament | East Midlands |
| UK Parliament |
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Burton Latimer is a town in North Northamptonshire, England. It is about 3.1 miles (5 km) southeast of Kettering. It is also 4.5 miles (7.2 km) north of Wellingborough. In 2021, about 10,444 people lived there.
Contents
- A Look Back in Time: Burton Latimer's History
- Cool Places to See: Landmarks
- Burton Latimer Today
- How the Town is Run: Governance
- Getting Around: Transport
- Fun and Games: Sport
- News and Entertainment: Media
- Learning and Schools: Education
- Friendship Across Borders: Twin Towns
- Famous Faces: Notable Residents
- See also
A Look Back in Time: Burton Latimer's History
Burton Latimer is mentioned three times in the Domesday Book from 1086. This book was a huge survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror. It helped him understand who owned what and how much tax they should pay.
In 1086, the town had different owners and resources. One part had 21 villagers, 18 small farmers, and 1 slave. It had land for farming, meadows, and a small woodland. There were also two mills. Another part had 9 villagers, 5 small farmers, and 2 slaves. It also had farming land and meadows. The name "Burton" likely means a fortified farm or a farm near a fort. The second part of the name, "Latimer," comes from the le Latimer family. They lived in the area in the 1200s. Before them, the town was just called 'Burtone'.
How Industry Shaped Burton Latimer
Burton Latimer grew a lot in the 1800s. This was thanks to industries like ironstone quarrying, clothing, and footwear making. A watermill, once used for grinding corn, was changed many times. It made silk, worsted fabric, and even carpets. Later, it became a steam mill. This mill produced things like chicory, mustard, animal feed, and flour.
In the 1930s, the mill became the home of Weetabix. This famous breakfast cereal is still made there today.
Quarrying for ironstone began around 1872. This happened north of the town. More quarries opened in the west and east. The last iron ore pits closed in 1921. Small trains on special tracks carried the ore to bigger railways. At first, horses pulled these trains. Later, steam and then diesel locomotives were used.
By 1885, four clothing factories had opened. In 1898, the first shoe factory started. This made Burton Latimer grow quickly into a busy industrial town. Around the year 2000, new roads like the A14 made the town attractive again. Many big companies, like Versalift and Alpro Soya, set up their businesses here. More recently, in the 2020s, even more factories and distribution centers have been built.
Cool Places to See: Landmarks
One important building in Burton Latimer is the parish church. It is called St Mary the Virgin. This church was officially opened in 1147. The original Norman church was changed and added to over time. It was fixed up and its tower rebuilt in 1866. Inside, you can see old wall paintings. There is also a screen from the 1400s and some old brass plaques. The oldest plaque shows the coat of arms of the Boyville family.
The town's war memorial was put up in 1922. It honors those who served in wars. It has moved a couple of times but is now back where it first stood.
The Harpur family owns Burton Latimer Hall. They have owned this large house since 1760. The Hall is a Grade I listed building, meaning it is very important. It is said that a secret tunnel connects the Hall to St Mary’s Church. But no one has ever found it!
There is also a Jacobean House built in 1622. This old house used to be a school. A stone tablet on the front tells us about its history.
The Burton Latimer Pocket Park opened in 1995. This 11-acre park is along the riverbank. Many different animals live there. It is a popular spot for fishing. Every June, the park hosts a fun duck race and a fair.
Burton Latimer Today
Burton Latimer is home to the first wind farm in Northamptonshire. The Burton Wold Wind Farm has 10 turbines. These turbines make enough electricity for about 8,500 homes each year. This is about a quarter of the homes in the Kettering area. It is the largest inland wind farm.
The town is also home to the Weetabix food company. Other big employers include Shield aluminium and a Wm Morrisons supermarket distribution center.
Besides the old St. Mary's Church, there are four other churches in town. These are Burton Latimer Methodist Church, Burton Latimer Baptist Church, and St. Nicholas Owen RC Church.
For social gatherings, there is the Britannia Working Men's Club, the Olde Victoria pub, and a band club. There is also a Conservative club, a civic centre, and a community centre.
The Millennium Gardens were built in 2000. You can find them at the corner of High Street and Churchill Way.
The Burton Latimer Medical Centre opened in 2004. It replaced an older center from 1970. Doctors and nurse practitioners work there. The town's pharmacy is right next to the medical centre. A wood on the west side of town leads down to the River Ise. From there, you can walk to the village of Isham.
How the Town is Run: Governance
Burton Latimer has a town council with 12 members. They also have a mayor and a deputy mayor. The town is now governed by North Northamptonshire Council. This new council was formed in 2021. It took over from older local councils. For national elections, Burton Latimer is part of the Kettering area.
Getting Around: Transport
Burton Latimer is located just south of where the A6 and A14 roads meet. A bypass for the A6, which is 2 miles long, was finished in 1991.
Buses run through Burton Latimer. For example, the 48 bus goes to Wellingborough. The 50 bus goes to Bedford. The old Isham and Burton Latimer railway station served the town until 1950. Now, the closest train station is in Kettering.
Fun and Games: Sport
Burton Latimer has a non-league football team called Burton Park Wanderers F.C.. They play at Latimer Park. In 2013, another team, Kettering Town, also started playing there.
The town has an amateur cricket team, Burton Latimer Town Cricket Club. They play at Hall Field. The club has three men's teams and one women's team. They play in different divisions of the Northamptonshire Cricket League.
There is also a bowls club in town. You can find various other sports clubs at the community centers. There are also tennis courts near the recreation ground.
News and Entertainment: Media
Local news and TV shows for Burton Latimer come from BBC East and ITV Anglia. TV signals are received from the Sandy Heath TV transmitter.
Local radio stations include BBC Radio Northampton, Heart East, and Smooth East Midlands. There is also Shire Sounds, a community radio station from Kettering. The local newspaper that serves the town is the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph.
Learning and Schools: Education
Burton Latimer has two main primary schools. These are Meadowside Primary School and St. Mary's C of E Primary School. The town does not have its own secondary school. However, The Latimer Arts College is nearby in Barton Seagrave, close to Kettering.
Friendship Across Borders: Twin Towns
Burton Latimer has special "twinning" agreements with two towns:
- Altendiez, Germany (since 1987)
- Castelnuovo Magra, Italy (since 2002)
Famous Faces: Notable Residents
Some well-known people have lived in Burton Latimer:
- Charley Hull, a professional golfer
- Humphrey Henchman, who was a bishop of London
See also
In Spanish: Burton Latimer para niños
