Higham Ferrers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Higham Ferrers |
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 Higham Ferrers Town Hall and War Memorial |
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 Higham Ferrers
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| Population | 8,083 (2011 Census) |
| OS grid reference | SP9668 |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | RUSHDEN |
| Postcode district | NN10 |
| Dialling code | 01933 |
| Police | Northamptonshire |
| Fire | Northamptonshire |
| Ambulance | East Midlands |
| EU Parliament | East Midlands |
| UK Parliament |
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Higham Ferrers is a historic market town in North Northamptonshire, England. It's located in the Nene Valley, near the borders of Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. Higham Ferrers is right next to Rushden, forming one larger town area. In 2021, about 8,827 people lived here. The town centre is full of old buildings, especially around the Market Square and College Street.
Contents
History of Higham Ferrers
The name 'Higham Ferrers' means 'high homestead' or 'high village'. The Ferrers family was linked to the town as early as 1166. The local area, called a 'hundred', was named after Higham Ferrers.
Early Charters and Growth
In 1251, the first special document, called a Charter, was given to the town. This was thanks to William de Ferrers, who owned the land. He created a 'Borough' (a self-governing town) to help the community grow. People were settling and trading near his castle.
Henry Chichele was born in Higham Ferrers around 1364. He became a very important person, the Archbishop of Canterbury. He also started All Souls College, Oxford, a famous college at Oxford University.
In 1422, Higham Ferrers School was founded.
Later Charters and Parliament
Another Charter was given in 1556 by Queen Mary I. For many years, the town had a special role in Parliament. It sent one Member of Parliament (MP) who was chosen by the Duchy of Lancaster. This was a powerful landowner that supported the King or Queen.
When King James I became king, the town got more powers and freedoms in 1604. Later, after Charles II returned to the throne in 1660, these freedoms were confirmed again.
Higham Ferrers was known as a "rotten borough." This meant it had very few voters but still sent an MP to the unreformed House of Commons. This changed with the Reform Act 1832, which stopped this unfair system.
After 1882, Queen Victoria gave the town a new Charter. This one was special because it was written in English, not Latin like the older ones. It updated how the town was governed to fit new laws.
Higham Ferrers Castle
The castle in Higham Ferrers was probably built soon after the Norman Conquest in 1066. However, by the late 1400s, the castle was not looked after. It was pulled down in 1523. Its stones were used to build Kimbolton Castle instead.
Today, only a grass bank and a pond show where the castle's defenses and moat once were. In the garden of the Green Dragon Inn, you can still see parts of an old dove-house. This building was once inside the castle's outer walls.
Travel and Getting Around
Higham Ferrers used to be a very busy place for travel. It was where two major roads crossed: the A45 (going east-west from Northampton to Cambridge) and the A6 (going north-south from London to Leicester).
In the early 1990s, a new dual-carriageway road was built to bypass the town for the A45. This meant less traffic went through the town's narrow streets. Later, in 2003, a bypass for the A6 was opened around Higham Ferrers and Rushden.
Higham Ferrers Railway Station
Higham Ferrers also had a railway station. It was the end of a short railway line from Wellingborough. There was another station in Rushden. The station stopped running passenger trains in 1959 and closed completely in 1969. This was when goods services ended.
Today, the closest working train station is in Wellingborough, about four miles away. However, there is no bus that connects Higham Ferrers directly to Wellingborough station.
Shops and Town Buildings
Higham Ferrers has a Farmer's Market. It takes place on the last Saturday of every month. In December, it moves to the last Saturday before Christmas. This market is officially certified and part of the FARMA group.
The Higham Ferrers Town Hall is located on the Market Square. It was finished in 1809 and is an important building in the town.
Sports Clubs
Higham Ferrers has several sports clubs for different activities:
- Rushden & Higham RUFC: This rugby club started in 1951. It has teams for different levels of players.
- Rushden and Higham United Football Club: This football club plays at Hayden Road. It was formed by combining two older clubs, Higham Town and Rushden Rangers.
- Higham Ferrers Town Cricket Club: This club was founded in 1881. It has teams for adults and younger players (under 17s and under 15s). They play at the recreation ground on Vinehill Drive.
- Higham Ferrers Town Bowls Club: This club started in 1946. It is also located at the recreation ground on Vinehill Drive.
Schools in Higham Ferrers
The town has several schools for different age groups:
- Alpha Pre-School: This school on Westfield Terrace offers part-time nursery places for young children. It has been running for over 40 years.
- Higham Ferrers Nursery and Infant School: Located on Wharf Road, this school has a nursery unit. It also has classes for children aged about 3 to 7 (Reception, Year 1, and Year 2).
- Higham Ferrers Junior School: This school is for children aged about 7 to 11 (Years 3 to 6). It has three classes for each year group.
- Henry Chichele Primary School: This school is on School Lane, in a newer part of town. It has two classes per year for children aged about 4 to 11 (Reception to Year 6).
- The Ferrers School: This is a secondary school on Queensway. It teaches students from Year 7 to Year 13 (ages 11 to 18). Both Higham Ferrers Junior School and Henry Chichele Primary School send students here.
- Moulton College: This college can be found just outside Higham Ferrers.
Important Buildings
St Mary the Virgin Church
St Mary's Church, Higham Ferrers is a very old and important church in the town. It has a long history and beautiful architecture.
Chichele College
Chichele College was started by Henry Chichele, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1422. It was built as a college for priests, clerks, and choir singers. It also had a master to teach singing and grammar. Over time, the college became an inn and then a farm. Parts of the original buildings are still standing today. One hall is now used for art shows.
The Bede House
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Around 1422, Archbishop Henry Chichele also founded "The Bede House." This was an almshouse or hospital for 12 men over 50 years old. They lived together, and one woman looked after them. It had a large common hall with a fireplace. Each man had a small sleeping area separated by a screen. A quiet garden was added to the south side of the building.
Famous People from Higham Ferrers
- Henry Chichele (around 1362–1443): He was the Archbishop of Canterbury and a diplomat.
- Donald Pack (1920–2016): A professor and mathematician who was an expert on supersonic air waves. He was born and grew up here.
- Alice Maud Shipley (1869-1951): A strong supporter of women's right to vote (a militant suffragette). She was born in Higham Ferrers.
Freedom of the Town
The "Freedom of the Town" is a special honour given to people or military groups. It means they are highly respected by the town.
Individuals who received the honour
- Gwen Murdin: Received on 21 March 2014.
- Derek Lawson: Received on 18 February 2022.
- Richard Gell: Received on 18 February 2022.
See also
In Spanish: Higham Ferrers para niños
