Northamptonshire has numerous places of historical interest to visit and I particularly like that whilst celebrating their heritage they are not ‘stuck in the past’ and also encourage events to take place in their grounds.

For instance, the magnificent Kirby Hall, situated between Corby and Deene, is hosting the BBC Antiques Roadshow on Thursday 5th June. Kirby Hall is one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th century houses, earlier owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I.

Although the vast mansion is partly roofless, the Great Hall and state rooms remain intact, refitted and decorated to authentic 17th and 18th century specifications. The recently restored great gardens - described at the time as ‘the finest in England’ - have been recreated as they may have appeared in the late 17th century. Features include elaborate period style ‘cutwork’, statues, urns, seating, and topiary. Kirby Hall is also known for its friendly peacocks that roam freely - please do not feed them when visiting!

Rushton Triangular Lodge is pictured on the cover of Kettering band Temples’ debut album - thereby blending our rich historical heritage with our musical future! The building was designed by Sir Thomas Tresham (father of one of the Gunpowder Plotters) and constructed between 1593 and 1597. It is a testament to Tresham’s Roman Catholicism - the number three, symbolizing the Holy Trinity, is apparent everywhere. It has three floors, trefoil windows, and three triangular gables on each side. It is a magnificent if somewhat unusual building, and well worth a visit.

In another example of a stately home embracing modern times, Boughton House near Geddington is hosting not one, but two major music festivals this summer. Alt-Fest - the world’s largest alternative music and lifestyle festival - takes place from 15th to 17th August. Then there is Greenbelt, an arts, faith and justice festival with its roots in the Christian tradition, which is celebrating its 40th consecutive year in 2014. Taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend (22nd to 25th), acts include Sinead O’Connor and Jahmene Douglas, and it will also feature Radio2’s ‘Good Morning Sunday’ show with Clare Balding.

Thanks for reading, please visit my blog and Northants Telegraph column too. Hx

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