Overview
Desborough developed around the spinning and weaving industries, by the nineteenth century specialising in silk. Many archaeological finds from the Celtic and Anglo-Saxon periods have been made in the town, some of which have been inducted into the collection of London's British Museum. The Desborough Mirror is an example of this.
Desborough is 8 km (5.0 mi) south-east of Market Harborough, 8 km (5.0 mi) north-west of Kettering and 8 km (5.0 mi) south-west of Corby.
The Kettering Leg of the Student cross pilgrimage leaves from near Desborough every year.
The A6 Rothwell-Desborough Bypass opened on August 14, 2003.
Notable buildings in the town include the thirteenth century parish church. The Domesday Book of 1086 refers to Desborough, in modern day Northamptonshire, as a 'place of judgement'. In fact the name itself is thought to have derived from 'Disburg' which meant a sacred and fortified place.
In the High Street, as a centrepiece of what is now the Market Square, stands a pillar. Locals call it the Town Cross, despite it being a square column with a stone ball on top. It is perhaps better referred to as an obelisk. Its origins are thought to be a gateway pillar from Harrington Hall.
Desborough's origins lie in the Bronze Age some 2000 years BC. Urns from this period have been found in and around the town. The most important archeological find was the 1st Century Desborough Mirror which is now in the British Museum as is an Anglo-Saxon necklace found in the Paddock Lane area of the town which comprises gold beads, a gold cross and a red garnet. Other stone artifacts are on display in the parish church of St Giles.
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