Rothwell brings together a long fair tradition, architectural history, medieval heritage, and exhibitions about the town’s history. There are different options to focus your plans on: architecture, museum topics, the annual Rowell Fair, or the surrounding countryside. If you are travelling for the Fair, bear its changing dates in mind when planning your trip.
Architectural history at Rothwell Market House
Rothwell Market House was built in 1578 to designs by William Grumbold for Sir Thomas Tresham. It has a rectangular floor plan with projecting square bays and a round stair tower. Its history also includes two further dates: the building was completed for use as council chambers and a library in 1895, and it was restored in 1913.
These dates mark different stages: 1578 refers to the construction, 1895 to its completion for the stated uses, and 1913 to a restoration. This makes Market House a tangible starting point for exploring Rothwell’s architecture and town history together.
Medieval heritage and exhibitions
Rothwell Charnel Chapel houses one of only two medieval ossuaries in England to have survived in situ. The Bone Crypt is a 13th-century crypt containing the remains of around 2,500 people. Together, these features give Rothwell’s medieval heritage a tangible form, while the crypt’s date should not be conflated with the history of the ossuary.
Rothwell Arts & Heritage Centre presents exhibitions on Rothwell’s medieval past and documents the town’s important role in the shoe and lace industries. Local art is displayed in the Janet Bassett Gallery, where the exhibition content changes. The Centre therefore brings together local history, industrial history, and art, while its exhibition programme varies.
The Jim Dale Room focuses on Jim Dale’s life and show business career. Photographs from his family collection are used for documentation. The exhibition also includes original recordings, posters, scripts, and memorabilia. This room therefore offers a different focus from the displays on Rothwell’s own past and industrial history.
The Rowell Fair and regular events
Since 1204, Rothwell has held the week-long Rowell Fair annually as a Charter Street Fair. The exact dates change from year to year; if you are planning to travel specifically for it, check the event dates for your travel year.
The Fair opens with an early-morning ride through Rothwell by the Bailiff of the Lord of the Manor. A group of halberdiers accompanies him as the ancient charter is read aloud. The programme in the town centre includes rides, street entertainment, live bands, food and drink, as well as stalls and exhibitors. The opening ceremony and the entertainment and market programme are different aspects of the week-long event; individual programme items may vary from year to year.
As a regular event, the Rothwell Wellbeing Walk meets every Friday at 10 am in front of The Market House. Check the time before your trip.
Plan your visit to the countryside and transport
In the area around Rothwell, Rothwell Gullet is an old ironstone quarry with ferns, fungi, woodland, and grassland. One path has a stile and steep steps; another is winding and hilly, with additional steps and another stile. Conditions and access may change, so check both before visiting.
Rothwell’s nearest railway station is in Kettering, on the Midland Main Line. Check current train services before travelling. Information about the station, the regular Wellbeing Walk, and the changing Fair dates offers different starting points for planning; which matters to you depends on whether your trip is based on an event date, a regular weekly activity, or travelling by train.
Discover more destinations: Aynho, Daventry, Ecton, Helmdon, Pattishall, Byfield, Whittlebury, Braunston
For the wider travel overview: Northamptonshire.
