Northampton in West Northamptonshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Earl of Northampton
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 25, 2026
1. Earl of Northampton Marker
Even though none of William Shakespeare's plays are set in Northampton, the play King John does mention Northampton Castle, which was a location visited by King John and his court.
Fun Fact! William Shakespeare's Grand-Daughter, Lady Elizabeth Bernard, lived in the house in Abington Park, now used as Abington Museum and the grounds being Abington Park. After she passed away in 1670, she was buried in the Church of Saint Peter & Paul cemetery in Abington Park.
Waltheof was too young to take over his father's titles after Siward died, so he became Earl in 1065. After the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Waltheof agreed to support William the Conqueror. For this reason, William let him keep his titles and lands. Waltheof stayed at William's royal court until 1068.
In 1070, Waltheof married Judith of Lens, William the Conqueror's niece. However, in
this page online
In 1089, Maud, the eldest daughter of Waltheof and Judith, married Simon de Senlis, who became Earl of Northampton. It is believed that Simon may have built the earliest version of Northampton Castle.
Image: Watheof and Judiths Wedding, Guildhall, Northampton (courtesy of O. Swales) (Marker Number 3.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1040 CE.
Location. 52° 14.265′ N, 0° 54.232′ W. Marker is in Northampton, England, in West Northamptonshire. It is on Chalk Lane. The marker is by the Chalk Lane car park, just south of Northampton Castle. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14 Chalk Ln, Northampton, England NN1 2RW, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 25, 2026
2. Statue at the site of Northampton Castle
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 11 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Anglo-Saxon Northampton (here, next to this marker); The Story of Simon de Senlis (here, next to this marker); The Castle (here, next to this marker); Where Northampton Began (a few steps from this marker); Birth Of Radar Memorial (approx. 11 kilometers away).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
