Located in the county of Northamptonshire, and around 35 miles southeast of Leicester, is the town of Rushden.
The name 'Rushden' literally means 'rushy valley'. It appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as 'Risdene'.
During the 14th century, Rushden Hall was built at the southern end of the town centre. Over the centuries it has been home to various wealthy families. In 1930 it was opened to the public, and today it serves as the headquarters of Rushden Town Council. The building is Grade II listed and features at the start of the walk in Hall Park.
At the centre of town at its most elevated point is the striking St Mary's Church, whose origins go back to the 13th century. The tower was enlarged in the 14th century, and the spire was built, which is 52 metres/172 feet high, and can be seen from several miles away.
Industry in Rushden initially consisted primarily of agriculture. Following the Industrial Revolution, lace-making and brick-making were introduced. During the late 19th century, shoe-making began in Rushden. By the early 20th century it had become a major industry, having secured large government contracts to supply army boots. At its peak, around the mid-20th century, there were over 100 boot and shoe factories in Rushden. The industry began to decline with the emergence of foreign imports - first from Italy, then from the eastern countries. Some of the redundant factories have since been converted into flats. One notable company still in operation is Sanders & Sanders, who have been crafting footwear in Rushden since 1873.
In 1894 a railway station opened in Rushden. It was situated on a branch line between Wellingborough and Higham Ferrers. It closed to passengers in 1959, and the station closed completely ten years later. In 1996 the station was bought by the Rushden Historical Transport Society. Since then it has been transformed into a museum and heritage railway with over half a mile of track.
Rushden is represented in sport by A.F.C. Rushden & Diamonds. This is a phoenix club that formed in 2011 following the dissolution of their previous incarnation: Rushden & Diamonds F.C. who were in existence between 1992 and 2011. They formed as a merger between Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds from the neighbouring town. The original club, Rushden Town, was founded in 1889.
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Filmed: 15th April 2022
Link to the walk on Google Maps: goo.gl/maps/29dHESZjCSMsfRPf7
Filmed on a Sony FDR-AX700 with a Zhiyun Crane 2 and a Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Hall Park
0:18 Rushden Hall (built 14th century, Grade II listed)
0:38 Hall Park
2:15 High Street South
5:49 Skinners Hill
7:05 Church Street
8:43 St Mary's Church
8:49 Church Street
8:55 Newton Road
10:58 High Street