Northampton in West Northamptonshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Stories from the Castle
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 25, 2026
1. Stories from the Castle Marker
In 1318, John Powderham claimed to be the lost or kidnapped King Edward II. The imposter was tried for encouraging people to rebel against the state and was hung alongside his cat in Northampton.
Also in 1318, there was a terrible fire at the castle which destroyed much of the royal apartments. This marked the end of the castle as an important royal centre.
Anne Palmer, known as a Lollard, lived a secluded life in a house next to St Peter's Church. She was arrested in 1393 for her religious opinions that were opposed to the beliefs of the church. She was imprisoned alongside other critics in the gaol (Jail) at Northampton Castle.
Definition: What is a 'Lollard'? A Lollard is a critic of the church.
In 1460, King Henry VI slept at the castle before the second Battle of Northampton in the War of the Roses, which took place just south of Delapre Abbey. Henry VI, who was on the Lancastrian side, was defeated
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Fun fact: Queen Elizabeth I made her first progress through the country in 1563, stopping at Northampton. (Marker Number 9.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1264.
Location. 52° 14.256′ N, 0° 54.24′ W. Marker is in Northampton, England, in West Northamptonshire. It is on Chalk Lane. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14 Chalk Lane, 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 in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Royals and the Castle (here, next to this marker); Hazelrigg House and the Old Black Lion (here, next to this marker); Thomas Becket (here, next to this marker); The Fall of the Castle Walls (here, next to this marker); Visitors to the Castle (a few steps from this marker); The Castle (a few steps from this marker); The Story of Simon de Senlis (a few steps from this marker); The Great Fire of Northampton (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northampton.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on September 24, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?
