Conserving Corby
A HERITAGE STRATEGY
FOR CORBY BOROUGH
February 2006
CONTENTS
Page
1. Introduction
Heritage Defined
Heritage and Corby’s Future Development
3
3
4
2. The Heritage Resources of the Borough
Key Themes and Topics
5
11
3. The Markets for Heritage
12
4. Organisational Infrastructure
A Focus for Heritage Matters
13
14
5. Action Plan
16
6. Implementing the Strategy
22
Strategy prepared for Corby Borough Council
by
Oxford Archaeology
and
Graham Barrow Research and Consulting Ltd
February 2006
Front Cover: Meeting Lane, Corby early 1930’s.
The Archive of Photographs Series. 1996. Chalford. Compiled by Peter Hill.
2
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 This heritage strategy provides the strategic context and identifies specific actions for
protecting and “making more” of the heritage resources of the Borough of Corby. It is a
policy document for Corby Borough Council and for its partner organisations who wish to
conserve the natural and man made heritage, improve physical and intellectual access
to it and create educational, economic and social activity that utilise the heritage assets
of the Borough. It is a document that will be integrated with the social and economic
development plans for the Borough to ensure that there is a balanced and sustainable
development of Corby that takes into account the natural and man made environment,
its history, future conservation and management.
1.2 This strategy is also prepared for partner organisations who have an interest in
heritage matters in Corby so that they can work with Corby Borough to realise agreed
aims and objectives.
1.3 The Heritage Strategy is set in 3 volumes; this overview document, a fuller heritage
strategy report (Volume 2) and a resource inventory (Volume 3). A series of short,
medium and long-term actions that integrate heritage initiatives into the local
development framework have been put forward. These aim to increase the awareness of
heritage in the Borough and to encourage participation and the enjoyment of these
valuable resources, for the benefit of all.
“Heritage” Defined
1.4 Heritage has a very broad definition which is often misused or misunderstood. For
this strategy heritage is defined as all things that we choose and value as points of
reference to the past. It is what has been inherited from previous generations and that
we wish to pass on to our children. One person’s view of heritage may be different to
another’s, but combined provide Corby with a distinctiveness, identity and sense of
place.
1.5 For the purposes of this strategy, heritage is defined as follows:
Physical Heritage: natural and cultural landscapes both rural and urban that we
inhabit
 movable cultural heritage (artefacts and objects, museums or creation of
museums etc)
 built heritage (visible heritage)
 natural heritage (semi-natural habitats and plant and animal species)
Cultural Heritage: the stories of our past - our history
 oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible
cultural heritage
 performing arts;
 societal structures, traditions (rituals and festive events), values and religion.
 knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe;
 traditional craftsmanship.
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Heritage and Corby’s future development
1.6 Heritage is an important resource that can enrich social and cultural experiences and
contribute to the overall regeneration of the Borough. Studies have shown that ‘when
and where our historic environment is valued and cared for, social and economic
benefits can be generated for everyone, creating desirable, distinctive and economically
successful places’ (English Heritage Strategy 2005-2010)
1.7 Heritage can encourage people to use new skills, provide community and leisure
opportunities, bring people together and encourage social harmony, and develop a
sense of identity, worth and ownership. Heritage is also a significant and growing
segment and basis of the tourism industry.
1.8 The redevelopment plans for Corby in the next two decades provide an impetus and
a huge opportunity to integrate the existing heritage resources of the Borough with new
developments and provide the present and new communities with a ‘sense of place’ and
identity, whilst encouraging social well-being and contribute to balanced economic
development.
1.9 The following priority areas will be important in making the most of the heritage
resources in Corby Borough:
 raising awareness of the importance and interest of heritage for all
in Corby so that the natural and historical foundations of the area can contribute fully
to its regeneration and have the wide support and involvement of the public.
 integrating heritage conservation and management policies with those for
economic and social development. This strategy links with the Local Strategic
Partnership (LSP) Community Strategy, The “One Corby” Corporate Plan and other
Corby Borough Council strategies (particularly the cultural strategy, young people’s
strategy and arts strategy). This approach will increase benefit to the Borough
through the alignment and integration of economic development, tourism, voluntary
sector participation and cultural/heritage strategies, efforts and resources.
 balancing care for the historic environment with the need for change will
promote a sustainable environment. The Council will work with partners to protect
and enhance the physical and cultural heritage resources during the redevelopment
process and heritage assessments will be incorporated into the planning process
and will be important in identifying opportunities as well as threats to existing
heritage resources.
 working together with the County Council and other District an Borough Councils,
English Heritage, the new Natural England and other Northamptonshire and East
Midlands organisations to secure better current arrangements for the storage
and retrieval of records and finds from new archaeological excavation
commissioned by developers will be a priority.
 we will also work to develop and improve access to and the presentation and
interpretation of heritage assets throughout the Borough. Access to records,
artefacts and important natural and historical sites will be important for developing
leisure, local educational and tourism related resources.
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2. CORBY’S HERITAGE RESOURCES
The Approach
2.1 Records of heritage sites have been identified from a range of sources and have
been plotted on a series of maps produced at different levels of detail (see Volume 2 and
3). Mapped features are accompanied by an appendix that provides brief descriptions of
each heritage feature (Volume 3). Further maps have been reproduced that show
significant sites of natural importance, landscape characterisation and historic landscape
development within the area. Key assets have been selected based on the following
criteria:
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Local and national heritage significance
Accessibility
Educational resource value
Protection and care of resource
The key physical heritage assets of the Borough are shown in Figures 1 and 2 at the
back of this strategy (Please note: these maps are not included in the OCPC 11.04.06
version, but will appear in the final bound copy).
The Natural Environment
2.4 The industrialisation and urbanisation of the landscape over the past 150
years has included massive conversion of pastoral land to arable as well as large scale
mineral extraction, urbanisation and the construction of new communication systems.
However, there are important surviving tracts of ancient woodlands and associated
wetlands within the Borough, many of which were parts of the ancient Forest of
Rockingham. This was one of three major Norman woodlands, created on the orders of
William I, within the historic county of Northampton which were the favourite hunting
grounds of Norman, Plantagenet and Tudor monarchs.
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Geddington Chase and Weldon Park are designated as Sites of Special Scientific
Interest. In 2001 Weldon Park was heavily replanted with the intention that it should
become more attractive for wildlife.
Hazel and Thoroughsale Woods, in the heart of Corby town, are a mixture of
ancient, semi-natural and replanted woodland. Close to the town centre the woods
feature a boating lake which boasts a healthy population of fish and waterfowl.
Kings Wood in the centre of Corby was formerly part of Rockingham Forest and is
the first Local Nature Reserve in the county. 250 species of plants have been
recorded in the ancient woodland.
Great Oakley nature reserve is one of the best surviving fragments of the medieval
ridge and furrow field system.
2.5 Corby also has two registered Parks and Gardens:
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East Carlton Country Park - 100 acres of parkland with nature trails, overlooking
the Welland Valley. With splendid views across the Valley the park offers country
walks through mature woodland and grasslands.
Rockingham Castle, Park and Gardens - an award winning visitor attraction that
features a castle set in formal gardens and pleasure grounds dating to the 17th
century. It’s Great Park stretches over 300 acres of spectacular countryside.
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2.6 On the eastern fringe of the Borough is Deene Park - the 16th century gardens and
park associated with the Country House and Kirby Hall - the remains of formal gardens
of the late 16th and 17th centuries associated with a magnificent ruined Tudor mansion.
Archaeology and Settlement History
2.7 Early settlement in the Corby area probably began in the Bronze Age, and had
developed significantly by the Iron Age, by which time the area was being farmed and
exploited for its natural mineral resources. When the Romans arrived they built a road
linking Leicester with the Roman town at Huntingdon which passed through what is now
modern Corby. One section of this road is a Scheduled Ancient Monument where it
crosses Hazel Woods. Another ancient road, Jurassic Way, crosses the Roman road
between Kingswood and Cottingham. These roads were probably a focus for settlement,
possibly a small Roman town. The Roman villas at Little Weldon and East Stanion show
that people of wealth and high status lived in the Corby area for hundreds of years.
2.8 The Anglo Saxons were responsible for the names and form of many of the villages
in the Borough today, with the exception of Corby, which is thought to have been given
its name by a Viking leader called ‘Kori’ who established settlements in the area after
865AD.
2.9 William the Conqueror founded a castle at Rockingham, soon after the conquest.
The current castle and house is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. In the 16 century
Deene Park was established to the east of the Borough by the Brudenell family, and
East Carlton Park, also established in the 16th century, to the west, by the Palmer family.
During the Medieval period the district featured a typical feudal landscape of open fields
and common land.
Rockingham was rebuilt because of road realignment and the ravages of the Civil War.
Kirby was decimated, by Sir Christopher Hatton, who needed to use the land the village
was on for his gardens and park.
2.10 In the Post-Medieval period one of the finest early Elizabethan mansions in the
country was built at Kirby Hall by Sir Humphrey Stafford. Kirby Hall, now a ruin, is a
Scheduled Ancient Monument. Part of the estate lies within the parish of Gretton.
The Built Heritage
2.11 The greatest “time-depth” of surviving landscape is seen in the villages and small
areas of the ancient woodland. In most of the villages the plan form established between
700-1000 years ago is still largely preserved. Many of the 194 Listed Buildings in the
villages were built in the post Medieval period or later. Only one building survives from
the 20th century steel works, as the area has been re-developed with modern factory
units, offices and retail outlets.
Conservation Interest
Area name
Conservation
Area
Corby Lloyds Yes
Estate
Corby Old
Village
Recommended
Listed
buildings
None
specifically
3 Grade 2*
Listed
Buildings
Special interest
Lloyds Estate is an early
example of planned social
housing which is now a
Conservation Area
The old High Street retains
some historic character with
nine Medieval and Post
6
Rockingham
Yes
29 listed
buildings
Middleton
Yes (centre of
village)
Cottingham
Yes
East Carlton
No
12 Listed
Buildings in
Main Street
11 Listed
Buildings in
the village
9 listed
buildings
Stanion
Recommended
15 Listed
Buildings in
Stanion
Gretton
Yes
Great Oakley
Yes
46 Listed
Buildings in
the village
2 Listed
Buildings in
the village
Weldon
Yes
51 Listed
Buildings
Medieval Listed Buildings
Rockingham Castle one of the
major tourist attractions for the
borough today.
The north east part of East
Carlton Park lies within the
Parish
South west part of Rockingham
Park lies within the parish
East Carlton Hall and the
surrounding Country Park, the
Borough’s heritage focus
Roman settlements and
ironworking quarries and
extensive medieval pottery
industry
Contains part of the deserted
medieval village of Kirby, and
part of Kirby Hall
Great Oakley Hall, coach house
and stables. Spread Eagle
Public House is also a Grade 2
listed building outside of
conservation area.
A Scheduled Ancient
Monument, Weldon Lock-Up to
the side of the village green
Customs, Traditions and Legends
2.12 The following are the main customs, traditions and legends associated with the
Borough of Corby:
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Corby “Pole Fair” – A fair was granted by Henry III in 1226. This developed into a
more elaborate event, from 1862, people, including the community leaders such as
the mayor are ‘poled’ through the town in chairs on long poles, taken to the stocks
and made to pay for their freedom. With its origins thought to date back to the Viking
period, this tradition is still held every 20 years on Whit Monday.
Rough Music - An ancient tradition of driving out anyone who had strayed from the
norm within a community by creating a huge amount of noise outside their house
with tin cans and buckets. Last recorded case in 1936.
Tander Day - A lace-makers holiday, which was used as an opportunity for great
celebration and cross-dressing.
Pin and Candle Auctions - Associated with the steel workers. This was a way of
limiting bidding at an auction by putting a pin in a candle. When it burned down and
the pin fell out, bidding stopped.
Gangs of Corby - In the Medieval period gangs of poachers roamed the area and
conducted gang warfare in defence of territories that they regarded as their own.
Robin Hood - A ‘Robyn Hode’ was imprisoned in Rockingham Castle in 1356 for
poaching. William of Drayton was a local poacher who wore green clothes and a
hood.
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Queen Mary’s Treasure - In 1576 money and jewellery were stolen from Queen
Mary and buried by the thieves in Rockingham Forest near Geddington. It has never
been recorded as recovered, and may still be there today.
Witches in Weldon and Ghosts at Haunt Hill House - There are numerous report
of witches and ghostly encounters within the Borough.
The Highland Gathering / Cultural Day - At one point, it was estimated that over
70% of the population of Corby were of Scottish descent, and the largest Highland
games outside Scotland were held in the town every year. Today the event is more
widely based, and celebrated as a Day of Culture.
Guy Fawkes - Tradition has it that Sir Edward Montagu of Boughton was associated
with the first official Guy Fawkes' Night bonfire which was lit on the night of the
Gunpowder Plot on 5 November 1605 in gratitude for the king being safe. The ritual
soon spread, and from that time until 1859 it was a national day of thanksgiving.
The Brickworks, The Quarries, The Steel Story and Modern Corby
2.13 Small brickworks sprang up around the area from the early 1800s. With the coming
of the railway in 1879 employment returned to the area in the form of ironstone mining,
operated by the Lloyds Ironstone Company. The railway caused a resurgence in the
brick industry, with bricks needed for bridges, viaducts etc. The Weldon and Corby Brick
Company (1878-1911) also provided employment for Corby and the neighbouring
villages. The first iron was made at Corby blast furnaces in 1910. The Corby Quarries
initially provided iron ore for sale, but they soon expanded to feed the Corby furnaces
taking in large areas of Gretton, Corby, Weldon and Stanion. In the 1950’s and 60’s
huge machines were used to quarry on a massive scale - the draglines that were to
become a symbol of the Corby system. The first steel was produced at Corby in 1937.
Over the following decades the steel works developed dramatically until nationalisation
in 1967. The steel works continued to operate as the British Steel Corporation until 1980.
The majority of the quarried land has been restored for agriculture and development.
The area of the steel works is now a modern industrial estate of factories, offices and
retail outlets.
2.14 Waves of migrant workers have come to Corby since the founding of the Steel
Works. There is a very distinctive Scottish and Irish enclave that upholds Scottish and
Irish traditions and culture in Corby today. More recent migrants from the Balkans,
Portugal and from central and eastern Europe bringing their cultures and religions to the
town. Large areas of the Borough were developed as low-cost housing for the steel
workers, of particular note is the Lloyds Estate, an early example of planned social
housing which is now a Conservation Area.
2.15 Regeneration and Growth Plans / Bringing own cultures and creating new ones
The current regeneration plans encompass a new town centre with new civic facilities,
new housing designed to suit all sectors of the community, new transportation links and
new office, commercial and industrial development. These huge projects will together
change impressions of Corby once and for all, making it an attractive and accessible
place that will meet the needs and aspirations of residents, businesses and visitors alike.
This transformation into a vibrant and prosperous place will ensure that Corby attracts
new workers who will bring with them exciting new cultures and traditions to enrich the
lives of the whole community in the years to come.
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Key Themes and Topics
2.15 To assist with the interpretation and presentation of the heritage assets of the
Borough we have identified the following major themes each of which could be fully
covered in various interpretation and education projects.
Themes
Roman Corby
Rockingham
– The Royal
hunting
forest
Vikings and
the Pole Fair
The iron and
steel town
800BC-1980
Corby the
come-back
town
Corby at war
Description and topics
The Romans settled in Corby for at
least 300 years and built villas,
farmsteads, at least one road, created a
cemetery, made pottery and mined the
local iron ore. Corby could be the site of
a small Roman town.
The fact that there are small portions of
the ancient forest still intact in Corby
town today provides a significant and
unusual natural heritage asset. The
forest also represents a common link
between Corby town and the
surrounding villages with buildings that
survive from the Medieval and later
periods.
Still re-enacted every 20 years, the
Pole Fair is thought to have been
introduced by the Vikings. It provides
an important and unique heritage asset
for the community. Past events have
been developed into carnival type days
with a whole range of activities for
visitors of all ages
People began mining and smelting local
iron ore at Corby, Weldon and Stanion
in the Iron Age, between 800BC and
43AD. Here is a fundamental link with
the ancient past, that resonates right up
to the 1970’s and the eventual closure
of the steel works.
The coming of the railway in 1879 and
open cast mining enabled Corby to
revive after the 17th and 18th centuries
economic depression when the cottage
weaving industry was wiped out by
industrial production.
During both the world wars the steel
works played a vital role in munitions
production. The works were protected
by anti-aircraft and decoy devices. The
command and control bunker used by
Allied Command in WW 2 still exists
and can be visited. Many people are
very interested in this period of history.
Key Heritage Assets
Archaeological sites.
Artefacts in local and
national museums.
Rockingham Castle,
Geddington Chase. Weldon
Park. Oakley Nature
Reserve. Hazel Woods,
Thoroughsale Woods. Kings
wood. Villages of East
Carlton, Cottingham,
Middleton, Stanion, Gretton,
Weldon, Corby, Great
Oakley and Rockingham.
The Pole Fair, Photographic
and documentary evidence.
Corby Old Village
Archaeological sites.
Artefacts in local and
national museums. East
Carlton Park Museum.
Records held by Corus.
Steel workers themselves.
Photographic and
documentary evidence of
open cast mining.
Archaeological sites.
Photographic and
documentary evidence from
World Wars 1 and 2.
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3. MARKETS FOR HERITAGE RESOURCES
3.1 Every effort will be made to make heritage relevant to the following groups of people,
each of which will benefit from the implementation of the potential projects identified in
this strategy.
Educational Groups
3.2 Local Schools and Colleges will be able to use heritage sites and teaching materials
for curriculum related studies. This will provide opportunities to study topics related to a
range of curriculum areas, including citizenship, history, geography and biology.
Outreach services as proposed in this strategy can be targeted at schools and colleges.
Urban and field studies can encourage students to leave the classroom to experience
aspects of the town and its surrounding villages and countryside.
Young people
3.3 Encouraging the youth of the town to get involved more in local projects is a tough
challenge, but one which the new North Northamptonshire Groundwork Trust, the
Kingswood Local Alchemy Project and the Youth Service and others are well placed to
tackle. A number of the projects in this strategy will provide opportunities for young
people to get involved in providing ideas, in physical work and training or in study
projects linked to their education.
Happenin’ Heritage
3.4 Happenin’ Heritage is a 3 year arts-based project looking at Corby’s heritage. The
project is open to anyone aged 9 – 19 living within the Borough. Each year of the project
is themed with the first one focusing on the history of Rockingham Castle, then the rise
and demise of the steel industry in the town and finally what it’s like to live in Corby
today, exploring local myths and legends. Those involved will learn a variety of skills
including acting, lighting, sound production and set and costume design.
Established residents
3.5 There are a range of socio-economic problems in some parts of Corby, but there is
also a sense of civic and community cohesion. There are well known Scottish and Irish
traditions that have developed through the immigration of the population drawn by the
expanding steel industry. Heritage linked programmes will draw on the oral history of the
former steel workers and seek support from them for the work of the proposed Heritage
Development Group. More recently migration of Eastern European and Portuguese have
brought new cultures to Corby and their input into a Heritage Development Group should
also be encouraged.
Local Heritage Interest Groups
3.6 The population of the villages are on the whole relatively affluent and most of the
villages have established local heritage groups and active parish councils. We will
encourage these groups and individuals to work together on Borough-wide projects and
to develop heritage linked products in their villages that will be available to residents
throughout the Borough.
Incomers and new residents
3.7 The growth proposals for Corby to double its population over the next 30 years is
likely to mean average socio-economic status will increase. Some will be interested to
discover more about the history and environment of the Borough they have moved to.
Some may well become activists that support heritage and amenity societies and will be
10
the catalyst to get new things going. It will be important that there is an organisational
infrastructure ready to accept and encourage these people to get involved.
Visitors and tourists
3.8 Whilst Corby town has not been the focus for day trips or staying tourists, there are
attractions such as Rockingham Castle, Kirby Hall, Deene Park and East Carlton
Country Park that together with the attractive villages are the basis for Corby tourism
growth. The Rockingham Motor Speedway is a separate and different kind of attraction,
but has the potential to draw people to the Borough. The development of heritage-based
attractions will play a part in helping to develop a tourism component to the economy
and the planned Nene Valley Regional Park could also be significant. Discussions with
Explore Northamptonshire to integrate ideas with their marketing will be valuable.
Business visitors
3.9 There are many business visitors to companies in the Borough. Some may stay
locally and can be introduced to the heritage interests of the area through room folders
and information provided by accommodation providers. Some may find accommodation
in villages or new hotels and especially in the summer months could make evening visits
to heritage attractions. Occasionally it is this type of visitor who can make business
location and investment decisions based on their perception of the quality and interest of
the natural and historic environment.
Borough Council Elected Members
4.0 It will be important that Corby Borough Councillors as a whole appreciate the benefit
of conserving and interpreting the Borough’s natural and man-made heritage. Later in
this Strategy it is suggested that a heritage champion is appointed within the Council. It
will be important for them to influence the Council as a whole, both staff and elected
members.
4. ORGANISATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
4.1 Corby Borough presently has no professional staff with qualifications or significant
experience in heritage development and conservation matters. The County Council
provides advice through its Sustainable Development Section as follows.
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Specialist archaeological advice on development proposals (provided to all the
Borough Councils in the County)
Limited conservation and historic buildings advice (limited by County Council staff
resources)
A Finds Liaison Officer is available throughout the County, but has not been
active in Corby. From April 2006 for two years access to the county Portable
Antiquities Scheme will be available in Corby.
Storage of finds (although these are housed in a number of locations, including
Daventry, Buckinghamshire County Museums Service and by archaeological
contractors)
4.2 The more positive developmental and presentational aspects of heritage matters
have no present champion or focus in Corby. The County Council’s Community Services
Department could assist in this area and a partnership with them should be encouraged
by the Borough Council.
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4.3 The heritage and environmental voluntary sector is poorly developed in Corby,
although there are active historical societies in some of the villages such as Weldon and
Gretton. The newly established North Northamptonshire Groundwork Trust and the
Rockingham Forest Trust could help galvanise community involvement and the
Kingswood Local Alchemy project could be a catalyst in raising interest in heritage
matters.
4.4 Corby Borough Council, working in partnership, will strive to develop a focus for
heritage conservation and development and this could be pump-primed by the public
and private sector, Heritage Lottery Fund and other funding organisations. There is a
parallel need for expertise and encouragement both within the Borough Council to meet
their statutory requirements in the heritage and conservation fields and outside the
Council to develop and support voluntary involvement and interest.
4.5 The Council will seek to appoint a Heritage Development Worker. An elected
member should be nominated as a Heritage Champion as an advocate within the local
authority. Corby Borough Council will also seek to appoint a Conservation Officer,
although this may be in partnership with neighbouring local authorities or partner
organisations. A local borough-wide Heritage Forum will be encouraged which will
involve voluntary representatives from the town and the villages. This group may be
chaired by the Heritage Development Worker or by a suitable volunteer. This group may
consider the option of becoming the Corby Borough Civic Society.
A Focus for Heritage Matters
4.6 The Council has assessed the potential for a new museum in Corby through
consultation with officers of the County Council, the East Midlands Museums, Libraries
and Archives Council and the East Midlands Area Museums Service. There is clearly a
feeling that an expanding town the size of Corby would merit a new museum or heritage
centre and that a new building and organisation could make a significant contribution to
the balanced development of the town. But it is clear that a museum, based on a
collection, and a heritage centre that focuses on themes and stories, are likely to require
significant revenue support, unless its scale is very modest and it is largely managed by
volunteers. However, these facilities could attract spending to the borough, helping with
the town’s image and provide valuable educational services for local schools and
community groups.
4.7 The redevelopment of East Carlton Country Park could result in interesting new
heritage displays and activities there, but its location in the countryside, some 3 miles
from the town centre of Corby means that it is unlikely to be the only location to bring
heritage issues to the fore for the people of the borough. Nevertheless, with the lack of
developed heritage expertise in either the public or voluntary sectors and the rapidly
changing face of the town, it is felt that this is not yet the time to try to launch a new
museum or heritage centre proposal. However, it will remain a long-term goal and could
be the vision that motivates and keeps the proposed local Heritage Forum moving
forward. The first goal will be to raise the profile of heritage matters and develop a strong
commitment to this within both the local authority and the local voluntary sector.
4.8 It is felt that a number of places for heritage interests should be developed in the
Borough and some of these are described in more detail in the Action Plan following:

A small heritage centre in Corby Old Village.
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An introductory display in the proposed Civic Hub as part of the new Parkland
Gateway development.
A new environmental focal point as part of the Thoroughsale and Hazelwood
woodlands, possibly part of the proposed boating lake developments.
The redevelopment of the displays at East Carlton Country Park.
4.9 Northamptonshire does not have a County Museum Service and therefore there is
not a main repository for the finds and records generated by archaeological projects in
the county. Currently Corby Borough’s finds are deposited in a factory unit in Daventry
and two Buckinghamshire County Council premises. The contract for these interim
stores are up for renewal in 2006 and neither temporary host is keen on renewal.
Northamptonshire County Council are currently assessing the possibility of creating a
single long-term store at a property called Chester Farm. Corby Borough Council will
give consideration to supporting this county-wide project, recognising that Chester Farm
has the potential to become a modern facility that maximises the use of the collections
and stimulates future heritage initiatives. In the meantime the Council is working with
other district and borough councils to seek a solution to storage issues collectively.
5. IMPLEMENTING THE STRATEGY
6.1 This strategy has identified the natural, historical and cultural heritage of Corby
Borough and shown how it can play a key role in the future development and
regeneration of the Borough. Getting the strategy adopted and implementing the various
projects identified will be a 10 year programme and will require consistent coordination
and drive.
6.2 To date Corby has not placed much emphasis on its heritage resources and has little
professional expertise in these matters. Similarly the voluntary sector is not as active as
in many towns of the size Corby, so raising the awareness and giving leadership
concerning the value of heritage resources and their interpretation will be vital as a
starting point.
6.3 The Council will adopt the following staged approach
Stage 1 Adoption of Strategy
The Council will formally adopt the Strategy in draft form, seek approval of the draft from
the main partner organisations, modify the draft if required and agree the final strategy
knowing that the main partner organisations are supportive.
Volumes 2 and 3 that accompany this volumes should be available and published in an
attractive illustrated form. A powerpoint presentation of the strategy of the strategy
should be made available as an informative tool.
Stage 2 Resource Procurement
The Strategy identifies the crucial role for an elected member Heritage Champion, a
Heritage Development Worker and a Conservation Officer. The latter two will require
funding from a combination of the Council and external funding bodies. This funding
should be explored as soon as possible.
13
The Corby Borough Heritage Forum will be formed and an independent voluntary chair
chosen. This group will aim to stimulate and give focus to the voluntary sector and can
be assisted and encouraged by Corby Borough Council, Groundwork North
Northamptonshire and the Rockingham Forest Trust in particular.
A temporary display of the findings of the research work behind this strategy could be an
early project for the Heritage Forum and could attract some new volunteers
Stage 3 Projects to Provide a Focus and Raise Awareness
The Strategy identifies a number of projects that will raise the profile of heritage matters
and provide a focus and stimulus to wider activity. The key projects are





The development of a small heritage centre in Corby Village
The development of a heritage display in the Parkland Gateway Civic Hub
The development of town centre woodlands and borough’s natural heritage
assets
A survey and record of the 20th Century heritage
The redevelopment of East Carlton Country Park
Stage 4 Further Interpretation of Heritage
Looking further ahead there are a range of projects in the strategy which will continue to
develop, protect and interpret the heritage resources for the benefit of the Borough. By
this time the Heritage Development Group and Heritage Officer will be well established
and the organisational structure for the implementation of new projects will be in place.
Further historical finds will have been made from research projects associated with the
new developments in the town and the storage of these finds will follow the
recommendations identified in this strategy. These new finds and the recording of the
20th Century heritage will probably lead to the development of further projects.
The historical interest of the villages will be further interpreted through trails, leaflets and
occasional events.
Stage 5 New Heritage Centre or Museum of Corby
The development of activities associated with heritage and the activities of the Corby
Borough Heritage Development group may lead to ideas to develop a new museum or
heritage centre for the Borough. Corby town will have grown to a population of over
100,000 and the viability of a new museum or heritage centre may be tested at this time.
6. HERITAGE STRATEGY ACTION PLAN
The following section contains an action plan for heritage projects to be developed as
part of this strategy. They are indicative projects and further ideas may well develop.
Some initial further ideas for potential projects are described more fully in Volume 2 of
the strategy. Volume 2 includes suggested budgets for projects and further context for
discussion and consideration.
This heritage strategy primarily supports the One Corby Corporate Plan for Corby
Borough Council particularly the following priority:
14
Environment
 Maximise the contribution of arts, culture, design and conservation activities to
regeneration and growth
The Strategy also contributes to the following strategic priorities in the Corporate Plan:
Regeneration
 To work in partnership with key stakeholders to develop the infrastructure to
support economic development of the area
Community
 To work in partnership with other agencies to promote healthier lifestyles and
improve the health of the residents of the Borough
 To invest in new health and community facilities and upgrade existing provision
Leadership
 Further and better partnership working between the Borough Council and key
partners
Partners
Whilst this strategy has been prepared and will be updated annually by Corby Borough
Council it will require the joint working of a number of key partners to realise its aims. In
particular the Council wishes to work closely with Northamptonshire County Council,
English Heritage, Natural England, Catalyst Corby, the Wildlife Trust and Explore
Northamptonshire amongst others. Local bodies such as the new Joint Venture
Regeneration Company, North Northamptonshire Groundwork and the Rockingham
Forest Trust in the implementation of this strategy. Current existing voluntary groups and
other interested individuals will also play an important role. The formation of the
proposed Corby Heritage Forum to bring all of the partners together is seen as a key
component of the strategy.
6.1 ACTION PLAN PROJECTS
Timescales:
The projects in the Action Plan have suggested timescales for their implementation
Short - Within the next 2 years
Medium – Within the next 5 years
Long – within the next 10 years
Glossary:
CBC – Corby Borough Council
NNGT – North Northamptonshire Groundwork Trust
RFT – Rockingham Forest Trust
NCC – Northamptonshire County Council
BCW – Borough Council of Wellingborough
CatCorby – Catalyst Corby (including its successor)
Wildlife Trust – Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust
HLF – Heritage Lottery Fund
ExploreN – Explore Northamptonshire
Kingswood LA – Kingswood Local Alchemy
Friends of ECP – Friends of East Carlton Park
15
1
Projects
Objectives
Actions
Time
scales
Adopting and
Promoting the
Heritage Strategy
Present to One Corby Policy
Committee of CBC for adoption
with recommendation to appoint
an elected member as heritage
champion.
Short and
on-going
and
To achieve a consistent and
coordinated approach to the
protection and development of
heritage resources in the
Borough
Elected Member
Heritage Champion
To raise the profile of heritage
development within the council.
Review Strategy Document on
Annual Basis in April.
Suggested
Lead Agency
and Partners
CBC
Potential outcomes,
outputs and Targets
Strategy to form basis
for policy decisions
regarding heritage and
to be used as tool for
promoting heritage
development across
the borough.
Strategy to be adopted
and champion
appointed at April
2006 One Corby
Policy Committee
Meeting.
2
Secure funding to
appoint a
Heritage
Development
Worker
To raise awareness and
stimulate voluntary activity
regarding heritage matters.
To develop new ideas and
heritage projects.
To advocate on behalf of
heritage matters and develop
professional expertise.
Secure funding for worker.
Funding bid to HLF for 5 year
heritage development worker to
be submitted end February 2006
(as part of Old Village Heritage
Cottage Project – see next
action).
Appoint worker whose main
tasks will be to :
 Develop and encourage local
community projects.
 Work with the community to
form a Heritage Forum for
Short /
Medium
CBC, HLF,
community
and voluntary
groups and
interested
individuals
Strong political
support for heritage
projects evident.
Heightened
awareness of Corby’s
heritage and how to
be involved in heritage
in the community.
Increased voluntary
sector activity and
capacity to deliver
heritage projects.
Increased number of
heritage projects being
developed within the
community.
16

3
Corby Old Village
Heritage Cottage
Project
Explore the possibility of the
restoration of a historic building
in Corby Old Village for use as a
small heritage centre and
exhibition space.
Develop funding bid to heritage
lottery fund develop project for
cottage and heritage
development worker.
4
Corby Conservation
Areas
Undertake character appraisals
of the 7 designated conservation
areas and develop management
proposals for them as required.
To explore the possibility of
Corby Old Village and Stanion
becoming conservation areas.
To promote the history of the
villages by encouraging the
development of promotional
information.
Corby borough.
Co-ordinate working between
community groups and
strategic organisations.
Corby Borough Council as the
accountable body will
commission a structural report
and an architectural design for
the restoration to provide
indicative capital costs.
A conservation and management
plan will also be developed.
Funding bid to be submitted
February 2006 with decision by
July 2006.
Explore feasibility of developing
Conservation Officer post within
Planning Dept. possibly in
partnership with other local
authorities.
Begin character appraisals in
2006 (2 per year). Complete by
2010. Complete feasibility
studies for Old Village and
Stanion.
Develop management proposals
beginning 07/08- ongoing work
programme of 2 per year.
Short/
Medium
CBC /
Support
letters from
community /
HLF
New Heritage Forum
established for
individuals and groups
to join and share
heritage resources
across the borough.
Small Heritage Centre
opened in 2008
Increased community
use and interest in
facility. New meeting
space within borough.
Increased numbers of
volunteers involved in
the centre.
Short/
Medium
CBC
Corby
Heritage
Forum
Parish
Councils
Local
Heritage
Groups
Base provided for new
Heritage Development
Worker.
Professional
conservation advice
available in Local
Authority.
Monitoring for BVPI
219 (a-c) collected
from 2006/07. By end
2008/09:
 Total of 9
Conservation
Areas designated
in borough
 6 conservation
areas with up-to-
17
Work with the local heritage
organisations/Parish Councils in
each of the villages.
5
Ensuring Heritage is
considered in the
design of new
Housing Areas and
Open Spaces
Advocate for the highest quality
of design in future developments,
and the involvement of
artists/designers in planning the
growth of Corby.
To reflect a sense of place and
local heritage in the design of
new housing and open spaces
6
Heritage Exhibitions,
Displays, and
awareness-raising
events
To utilise the research
information collected for this
heritage strategy
To stimulate interest in the
heritage of the Borough and
draw in more volunteers
To provide an initial projects for
the new Corby Heritage Forum
To ensure space for arts/heritage
display area within Parkland
Gateway development is
available
Prepare, design and print a
series of leaflets and trails, one
for each designated conservation
area.
Heritage consideration in new
development to include:
Gateway and entrance features
New Road and place names
Design features in parks
Fencing and barrier design
Public art works
Signing systems
Bus stops, street lighting
The design and names of any
public buildings such as local
shops and pubs
Staff and member sessions to be
held end February 2006
Further public event to launch
Heritage Strategy in May/June
2006 with a selected display
available
Work with community and new
Heritage Forum to develop
project for heritage displays
Apply for funding for the display
Commission heritage artwork for
town centre/Parkland Gateway

Short,
Medium
and Long
Short ,
Medium
and Long
date character
appraisals
completed
4 conservation
areas with
published
management
proposals.
CBC
CatCorby
Creative
Corby
Private
Developers
CABE
Arts Council
On going involvement
of heritage in briefs for
new developments.
Corby
Heritage
Forum, Local
Heritage
Groups,
Parish
Councils,
CBC
To raise awareness of
heritage matters with
the local population
Planning and Legal
Officers to advocate
and consider heritage
within planning
agreements with
developers.
To generate
excitement and
enthusiasm about
Corby's Heritage
within the Borough.
Numbers of people
involved in local
heritage groups and
projects increased.
Temporary and
18
location
permanent displays
created as legacy
within Corby.
Design display and marketing
7
Secure and
appropriate storage
and recording for
archaeological
records and finds
Secure better arrangements for
the storage and retrieval of
records and finds in the borough.
Work with other borough and
district councils and NCC in
partnership to seek a joint
storage solution in the short to
long-term.
Run display for agreed period in
agreed venue(s) (TBC)
Facilitate move from current
stores at Daventry to
Wellingborough by end March
2006.
Short,
Medium
and Long
Actively promote NCC ‘Portable
Antiquities Scheme’ for
individuals to find out more about
their finds and ensure they are
properly recorded.
NCC, other
district and
borough
councils
(especially
BCW),
Heritage
Northampton,
CBC
8
Extensive Urban
Survey
No official record
exists covering the
last century in
Corby.
To acquire funding to pay for a
specialist consultant to undertake
the extensive urban survey.
To record the 20th and 21st
Century Heritage of the Borough,
including that associated with the
steel-making period
Apply for funding to carry out an
extensive urban survey.
New storage
arrangements in place
both temporary and
long-term.
Corby Borough to
retain title of the
Borough’s archive and
to ensure full access
to finds and records
Continue to work with NCC and
others to secure long-term
arrangements for storage.
Report to go to OCPC to endorse
the proposal for a countywide
single store at Chester Farm.
Report to include financial
implications (currently unknown
timescale and costs at this stage)
Research specialist support
available and obtain cost
estimate to complete survey
work.
Individuals able to
actively take part in
archaeological
recording.
Medium
CBC
NCC
Corus
Specialist
Consultant
An accurate record of
the 20th and 21st
century highlighting
the significance of the
steel-making period to
be recorded for future
generations.
Contract specialist consultant to
undertake and complete survey
19
9
Ensuring access to
Corby’s woodlands
and natural heritage
Joint venture
boating lake
developments
To raise awareness
and utilise the
history of the
Rockingham Forest
as way of
stimulating tourism
activity
10
East Carlton Park
Re-development
To develop projects in tandem
with Parklands Gateway
developments and other
woodland areas to increase use
of and appreciation of Corby’s
natural heritage.
Develop evidence of need for
Parks/Woodlands Ranger in
Corby,
To revitalise the Country Park
and raise awareness of its
history and of heritage in the
Borough generally.
work.
Discuss project plans with
Natural England, Explore
Northamptonshire, County
Council and others.
Medium/
Long
In partnership carry out feasibility
studies and produce plans for
various projects to be developed.
Develop costings and bids for
external funding for projects
where applicable.
Develop monitoring process for
recording usage of natural
heritage areas.
Carry out options appraisal for
creating a trust to manage the
park.
Medium/
Long
Secure funding to carry out full
feasibility study for revitalisation
project (draft brief for this
included in volume 2 of Heritage
Strategy)
11
New
Museum/Heritage
Centre Feasibility
To continue to develop a long
term vision for a new museum or
heritage centre for the Borough
Apply for funding for revitalisation
when study completed if
appropriate.
Discuss potential brief, location,
scale and management and
business plan
Long
CBC
CatCorby
RFT
NNGT
Wildlife Trust
KingswoodLA
Creative
Corby
ExploreN
Private sector
Police
Friends of
ECP
The people of Corby
are able to access and
feel safe to use
Corby’s natural
heritage assets (user
and non-user
surveys).
CBC
Friends of
ECP
Private
owners of
East Carlton
House
ExploreN
Corus
Corby
Heritage
Forum
New plan for
redevelopment of Park
developed
Corby
Heritage
Development
Group
CBC
NCC
Feasibility study is let
(if appropriate) by say
2010
Increased usage of
parks and open
spaces including
woodlands.
Improved visitor
destination for people
from within and out of
the borough.
20
Sources and Acknowledgements
The Heritage Strategy has involved undertaking an audit of the significant sites
of natural and historic importance within the Borough, and a review of the
existing documentation. A search of the Sites and Monuments Record at
Northampton, the National Sites and Monuments Record at Swindon, the
Northamptonshire Record Office at Northampton and the Corby Borough Library
was conducted. Information has also come from The Wildlife Trusts, English
Nature and The Rockingham Forest Trust. Consideration was given to the 2004
report by John Shepherd into the Options of Archaeological Collections
(Archives) in Northamptonshire and to the Report by Local Alchemy into the
Kingswood Estate “Developing Kingswoodium”. Reference has been made to
“The Historic Landscape of Rockingham Forest” by Glenn Foard, David Hall and
Tracey Britnell.
Interviews and consultations were conducted with a number of local
stakeholders and interested parties, in particular Dr Peter Hill, local historian
and lecturer at Nottingham University who has been an invaluable source of
information and documentation. His books on Rockingham Forest and the
Folklore of Northamptonshire, and his collection of historic maps were
consulted. Gratitude is also extended to Myk Flitcroft, Graham Cadman,
Christine Addison and Alison Smith at Heritage Northampton for their
assistance in collecting information and giving their enthusiastic support to the
project.
There is a substantial historic photographic record of Corby that has been
compiled and published in a selection of books by Ron Sismey, Peter Hill,
Dennis Taylor and Steve Purcell which have proved enlightening and helpful in
establishing the colourful history of Corby. In addition over 1000 aerial
photographs of the area are held at the National Sites and Monuments Record
which have not been viewed as part of this audit, but are referenced in works
such as The Rockingham Forest Project.
Discussions have been held with Catalyst Corby, Groundwork North
Northamptonshire, Corus, EMMLAC, the Museums Cou ncil, Northamptonshire
County Council, Explore Northamptonshire, Kettering Borough Council
Museum and Arts Service, the County Libraries and the Heritage Lottery Fund
about the strategy in general. Ian Parkin, a heritage consultant commissioned
in August 2005 to undertake an assessment and options appraisal for the
archaeological collections (archive) in Northampton was also consulted. The
Council is grateful to all those who have given their time and input towards this
project.
21
Bibliography
English Nature. Landscape and Wildlife data. WWW.
Foard, G., Hall, D. & Britnell, 2004. T. The Historic Landscape of Rockingham
Forest. Northamptonshire County Council.
Hill, P. 1995. Rockingham Forest Then and Now. Orman Publishing.
Hill, P. 1996. Corby The Archive Photographs Series. Chalford Publishing.
Hill, P. 1996. Corby At War. Orman Publishing.
Hil, P. 1998. Rockingham Forest Revisited. Orman Publishing.
Hill,P. 1998. Corby: The Second Selection: The Archive Photographs Series.
Tempus Publishing
Hill, P. Sismey, R., Taylor, D. 1995. Corby at War .Orman Publishing.
Hill, P. 2004. Corby: Living Memories. Francis Frith Collection
Hill, P. 2005. Rockingham Forest. Tempus Publishing.
Hill, P. 2005. Folklore of Northamptonshire. Tempus
Scopes, F. 1968. The Development Of Corby Works
Mawdsley,W. 1981. Corby’s Elizabethan Charter
Alexander, A. 1969 The Foundation of a Steel Town
Local Alchemy. 2004. Developing Kingswoodium. Report for Corby Borough
Council.
Northamptonshire County Council. 2005. Landscape Characterisation Study.
Northants Wildlife Trust. Data sets on Wildlife Sites.
Pipe, M. & Butler, M. 1999. Walks in Mysterious Northamptonshire. Sigma.
Purcell, S. 2002. Corby Iron & Steel Works. Tempus.
Royal Commission on Historical Monuments. 1979. Archaeological Sites in
Central Northamptonshire. Volume II. H.M.S.O.
Shepherd, J. 2004. Options of Archaeological Collections in Northamptonshire.
Report for Northamptonshire County Council.
Sismey, R. 1993. Corby A Pictorial History. Philimore.
Stewarts and Lloyds Limited. 1903-1953. 1953. Publicity and Publications
Department, Stewarts and Lloyds.
Tonks, E. The Ironstone Quarries of the Midlands. History Operations and
Railways. Part 6. The Corby Area.
Waterfield, A. Sherratt, R. Corby Pole Fair 1982. Souvenir
Programme.
Web Sites
www.northamptonshire.co.uk
www.northamptonshire.co.uk/events/pole-fair
www.rockingham-forest-trust.org.uk
www.grettonvillage.org.uk
www.cottinghamnews.co.uk
www.weldon.net/#Refresh
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