Embedded Files
The mapestry, which captures the town’s medieval market square and other ancient landmarks in fabric and thread, was created from applique and various embroidery techniques and took several years to make.
The mapestry, which captures the town’s medieval market square and other ancient landmarks in fabric and thread, was created from applique and various embroidery techniques and took several years to make.
The Material Girls - left to rightSandy Mason, Jean Martin, (Lynne Curnutte, Librarian) Sue Allen and Faye Caddick
Who created it?
Who created it?
Often referred to as the town’s own Bayeux Tapestry (which depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066), the 1.5m mapestry was designed by creative genius, retired former art teacher Fay Caddick, who worked on the special project with several friends, all known as The Material Girls.
They started the huge project in 2009 and completed it in 2012.
Discover more on the Rushden Hearts and Soles website.
Find out more about the historic buildings depicted in this unique mapestry
Find out more about the historic buildings depicted in this unique mapestry
** Many of these historic buildings are included in the Blue Plaque Trail. Click on More ... to discover the full story.
1. Charles Parker Building
Entrepreneur Charles Parker started his own boot and shoe business in 1874 and built his first factory in Midland Road, Higham Ferrers in 1886.
** More ...
2. Former Parish Rooms
Constructed in 1904 as a community hub, the Parish Rooms have fulfilled various functions over the years, a 20-bed Voluntary Aid Detachment (V.A.D.) hospital during the First World War, providing ambulance services throughout the Second World War, and serving as a public library. Now privately owned, the premises include a meeting room utilised as a Community Library and Wellbeing Hub managed by the Town Council.
** More ...
3. Chantry Chapel
The Chantry Chapel was built in the 15th Century as a Grammar School by Archbishop Chichele.
The exact date of the building is unknown but it was endowed in 1422 and was certainly complete by 1463. It remained in use as a school until 1907 when there were 23 pupils. The school was inspected in that year and found unsatisfactory in both the teaching and the facilities and was then abandoned as a school.
It was sold to the church in 1911 for £200 and converted into a Chantry Chapel.
In the 1940's it was restored by the generosity of John White, the shoe manufacturer who, with his wife, is now interred in the chapel.
Extract from United Benefice of St.Mary, Higham Ferrers, and St. John, Chelveston website
4. St. Mary's Church
Find out more The Treasures of St. Mary the Virgin - an audio trail of the church and its surroundings
t. Mary
5. The Bede House
The Bedehouse was founded by Archbishop Chichele in 1422 and built in the churchyard next to the Vicarage.
It was to be a dwelling for 12 poor men over the age of 50 to live in "close company" with the support of one woman to look after them. In return they were expected to spend a lot of time in prayer, either in the church or in the attached chapel. They received 7 pence a week as wages with which to buy their food and they were provided with a barber and firewood. They also received cloth for a gown at Christmas and were not allowed to go out begging.
Find out more on St Mary's Church website
6. The Manor House
Details coming soon ...
7. Pear Tree Cottage
Details coming soon ...
8. Ivy House
Details coming soon ...
9. The Green Dragon Hotel
The Green Dragon licensed premises, situated in the historic heart of Higham Ferrers, opposite the medieval remains of Chichele College, displays the typical features of a British “coaching inn” of the seventeenth century.
** More ...
11. Church House
Church House has been a home in Higham Ferrers for over 750 years and is easily identified because of its position in relation to St Mary’s Church. The first recorded mention is in 1251.
** More ...
12. 10 Market Square
Details coming soon ...
13. The Belgium House
Why is it known as the Belgium House?
At the beginning of 1915 twelve refugees from the nation of Beligum were met at Wellingborough station by the Mayor and Mayoress of Higham Ferrers, Ald and Mrs Owen Parker, Ald T Patenall (Deputy Mayor) and Mrs Patenall, Rev H K Fry (Vicar), Mrs Fry and members of the Belgium Relief committee.
On arriving in Higham Ferrers they were taken straight to their temporary abode, 11 Market Square where Mrs Fry had purchased a photograph of King Albert and a couple of Belgium flags and placed them in the larger sitting room and an excellent meat tea was provided – thus 11 Market Square became known as “The Belgium House”.
** More ...
14. 12 Market Square
Details coming soon ...
15. The Carriage House
The building now known as The Carriage House was initially a bank, part of the Northamptonshire Union Bank. The bank was established in 1836 and by the latter part of the nineteenth century had branches across the Midlands, including Higham Ferrers, Leicester and Rugby.
** More ...
16. Wood Street
Details coming soon ...
17. Hope Methodist Church
Details coming soon ...
18. 67 High Street
This house is reputed to be where Henry Chichele was born. Henry’s father, Thomas, was a wealthy landowner in Higham, owning several houses. He married Agnes Pynchoun whose family had been significant participants in the City of London. They had three sons, of whom Henry was the youngest, and a daughter. Higham Ferrers was an important administrative unit in the Duchy of Lancaster and was in the hands of John of Gaunt, son of Edward III. All of Thomas’ sons prospered, but it is Henry as the Archbishop of Canterbury who is the most notable.
** More ...
19. The Walnut Tree
The walnut tree in Higham has been a notable landmark for centuries. Situated on the old village green, it has been suggested that the present tree was 700 years old and growing during the reign of Henry Vlll, although this would be unusual as most walnut trees live for about 150 years, so the current one is probably the last of a succession of such trees.
** More ...
20. Chichele College
Henry Chichele was born in Higham Ferrers in about 1362. His father was a substantial landowner in Higham and had been Mayor of Higham in 1380 and 1381. Following his election to become Archbishop of Canterbury in 1414, Henry had the opportunity and resources to set up three institutions in Higham, the grammar school supporting the young, the Bede House supporting the old, and Chichele College.
** More ...
21. The Market Cross
The cross in the present market square is dated to the thirteenth century. The stone shaft is set in a socket and, prior to the restoration in the early 1800s, the cross was surrounded by a flight of steps. The steps are now hidden under a conical stone support, but a similar step structure at the bottom of a cross can still be seen in the churchyard at the base of the Warden Cross.
** More ...
22. The Town Hall
By the beginning of the 19th century, it was decided that the Town needed a new and purpose-built Town Hall. This Georgian version was constructed in 1808 at a cost of £755. To create space for the new build, buildings on and adjacent to the Market Square were taken down, including the town bakehouse.
** More ...
23. Fitzwilliam House
Details coming soon ...
24. The Griffin Inn
Details coming soon ...
25. The Old House
The Old House is in the heart of Higham Ferrers and was once at the centre of the village.
** More ...
26. The Thatched Cottage
Details coming soon ...
27. High Street
Details coming soon ...
The unveiling of the mapestry in its new home in October 2025. From the left: Susan Allen and Fay Caddick, Professor Peregrine Holden and Carol Fitzgerald.
Would you like to see the Mapestry?
Would you like to see the Mapestry?
The Mapestry is on display at the Hope Methodist Church.
The church holds a coffee morning 10-11.30am every Thursday and secpnd and last Saturday of the month.
Initially displayed in the town’s library, the mapestry was moved to the local Henry Chichele Primary School when the library closed, but has now found its permanent home at the Hope Methodist Church.
Google Sites
Report abuse