Rushden
See also: Rushden, HertfordshireRushden is a town in
England in the county of
Northamptonshire, lying on the
A6 mid-way between
Bedford and
Kettering.
The southern limits of the town border on the county of
Bedfordshire, and to the north lies the
River Nene (locally pronounced Nen) which flows into
The Wash.
The parish of Rushden covers an area of some 3777 acres (15 km²),[old estimation] and falls within the administration of
East Northamptonshire Council. The current population of Rushden is 25,849 (2001 census).
Rushden lies in a small valley, with a stream or brook known as Sidney Brook flowing through the centre of the town. In recent years, this stream has been culverted to prevent flash flooding. From which ever way Rushden is approached, the streets and roads can be seen stretching out in the valley, with the spire of St Mary's church looming above the rooftops.
Rushden's roots and prosperity have resulted from a number of industries, including
lace making and
farming, although the
boot and shoe industry, and associated trades were responsible for the largest growth in the town. In the industry's heyday there were well over 100 boot and shoe factories in Rushden.
Today just a handful of these factories survive. One of the most renowned is Sanders and Sanders, which makes boots for the British Army and several other defence departments throughout the world. Some of the redundant factories have been converted into flats. Today, as with many towns in England, industry in the town is varied, and mostly situated in an out-of-town
industrial estate. As with the industry, town centre shopping in Rushden has changed considerably recently although there are many excellent shops. Rushden has the oldest toy shop in the county.
In 1893 a short branch line
railway opened linking Rushden and
Higham Ferrers with the
Midland Main Line. The line was closed in 1959 and dismantled. In 1991 the trackbed was converted into a
pocket park [
1].
The former Rushden railway station is now owned by the
Rushden Historical Transport Society , which operates a
museum and
real ale bar. The society often holds special events, including an annual 3-day
transport cavalcade. The society aims to rebuild the branch line from
Higham Ferrers to
Wellingborough.
There is also a local heritage centre situated in part the former Council Offices in Newton Road. The Rushden and District History Society have a cabinet, and also host special displays from time to time. Exhibitions are changed every six weeks. The centre is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.00pm, and on the second, third and fifth Saturdays of each month at the same times.
A new road has been built which by passes Rushden and Higham Ferrers, it starts on the A6 Bedford Road and finishes at Chowns Mill Roundabout,
Irthlingborough.
The town's
football club,
Rushden Town merged with nearby
Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992 to become
Rushden & Diamonds. The new club plays in at
Nene Park, on the outskirts of
Irthlingborough.
Rushden is on the
A6 trunk road between
Luton and the East
Midlands.
The nearest railway station is at
Wellingborough about three miles away, on the
Midland Main Line.
Bedford,
Burton Latimer,
Corby,
Finedon,
Higham Ferrers,
Irchester,
Irthlingborough,
Kettering,
Milton Keynes,
Northampton,
Oundle, Podington,
Raunds,
St Neots,
Thrapston,
Wellingborough,
Wollaston,
Wymington*
Rushden and District History Society*
Rushden Online*
Rushden on the Web* [
2]
