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MAGNIFICIENT MAPESTRY UNDERGOES A MAKEOVER

Higham Ferrers’s own Bayeux Tapestry is back in the hands of the retired art teacher who designed it. Known as the historic town’s “mapestry” as it features centuries-old houses in the medieval market square and other ancient landmarks, the fabric and thread artwork, created from applique and various embroidery techniques and millions of stitches, took several years to make.

The 1.5-metre long mapestry was the brainchild of former teacher Fay Caddick, who with seven friends – all known as the Material Girls ─ fashioned the unique wall hanging.

“It is our own Bayeux Tapestry as we made it exactly the same as that famous work: first we made separate pieces of the story and then each section was sewn onto a fabric background,” Fay explained.

It was initially displayed in the town’s local library, but when the library closed in 2019, a few years after the mapestry was unveiled, it was decided to move it to the local Henry Chichele Primary School. “But after five years of hanging in the school, we decided that the mapestry was in need of repair,” said Liz Barnatt, chairperson of the Higham Ferrers Tourism Committee, which is supporting the restoration and framing initiative, which is also backed by the Town Council and the Friends of St Mary’s, a secular organisation dedicated to preserving historic buildings and the town’s heritage for future generations.

Brenda Lofthouse and Carol Fitzgerald, chairperson and secretary of the Friends of St Mary’s, collected the mapestry from the school and soon afterwards, Fay started work once again on the mapestry. As all the other Material Girls have moved away from the area, former local French teacher, Therese Easter, volunteered to help.

Fay recalled that after she retired from the Rushden School for Girls (now the Rushden Academy) she used to stroll around the town looking at the historic buildings. That interest and knowledge came in useful when the Material Girls got down to working on the mapestry.

“As well as my local knowledge, we spent a lot of time studying the buildings; the type of stonework and the windows,” she recalled. With the design in her head, Fay had to come up with a way of explaining it to the rest of the Material Girls.

“Initially, we took photographs of the buildings and landmarks and these formed the outline of what we planned to do. Although we only met up in the library for two hours every week, everyone was so keen that the Material Girls all worked on the project at home. We had to find the right pieces of material, which were donated by ourselves and the public”.

Asked about some of the stand-out trees in the mapestry, Fay explained that they had been made from 1960s shaggy rugs. “The mapestry got bigger and bigger over time. People would come into the library where we were working and would suggest places and features to add to the mapestry. It took us nine months to sew the pieces of the story onto the background.”

The repairs are being carried out in the Town Council-backed new Community and Wellbeing Hub at the back of the “old” library building.

Fay and Therese have a September deadline to finish the work so that it can go on display at the Northamptonshire Heritage Forum History Day in Higham Ferrers on Saturday 18 October. It is hoped that the mapestry will find a permanent home in a prominent local building, where it can be viewed by all to see. “We plan to frame the mapestry in Perspex glass to protect it,” Liz Barnatt said.

Town Clerk Alicia Schofield said: “The mapestry is an important and beautiful community fabric artwork and we are pleased to be able to host Fay and Therese at the Community Library and Wellbeing Hub as they undertake their skilled repair work.”

• The Bayeux Tapestry – which depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066 – hangs in the Bayeux Museum in France. The fragile tapestry is also due to undergo preventive conservation and enhancement. The museum will close later this year and a new museum, featuring the renovated Bayeux Tapestry, will reopen in 2027.

March 2025

A FASCINATING FIND OR A FABULOUS FAKE AND THE MYSTERY MOUNTS ...

WHEN Higham Ferrers Tourism and its sub-committee Chichele College Management were offered a Stone Age flint axe that had been unearthed in a local field, they jumped at the offer. Always keen to tell stories about historic Higham Ferrers, they knew that the donation would prove an interesting talking point at various exhibitions.

The Town Council was approached by a former resident, Ivan Driver, at last September’s Farmers Market. He told how his boyhood had been spent in Higham Ferrers and that he had several artefacts – including the flint axe – and felt the collection should be returned to the town. Councillor Chris O’Rourke – a member of the Tourism Committee - told him that the committee would be interested in the offer and Carol Fitzgerald, chair of the Chichele College Management Committee, a Tourism sub-committee, agreed and began to consider ways that the artefacts could be shared with the town and kept safe for posterity.

“The flint axe was particularly fascinating. It was found by Jack Thorpe sometime between the world wars. Jack - the father of a close friend of Ivan Driver - lived and farmed at Chichele College in the days when the college was a farm and a farmhouse,” Carol explained. “He uncovered the axe while ploughing a field in the lower end of what is now Vine Hill Drive”.

Believing that the town’s latest treasure should be shared with as many people as possible, the Chichele College Management team contacted the Northamptonshire Council, suggesting that it be considered for A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects, an exhibition to be staged at Northampton Museum in September.

“Our application was successful and we are very proud that the axe will be part of the exhibition,” Carol said.

The Higham Ferrers Archaeological Research Society (HiFARS), who meet at Chichele College, were interested in the flint axe, and a member, Professor Sarah Scott, who works at the University of Leicester, suggested it be taken to the university for further research.

And not long afterwards, a busload of interested members of the Tourism Committee, the Chichele College Management Committee and HiFARS, headed off to the university, where the School of Archaeology and Ancient History has an Advanced Microanalysis Laboratory, boasting specialised state-of-the-art equipment.

The equipment- including light microscopes, providing magnifications up to 500 times of an object - enables its world-class, international team of scholars to study the production and use of ancient artefacts and carry out cutting-edge research.

Asked by Carol Fitzgerald if the flint axe was genuine or a fake, Dr Christina Tsoraki, a ground stone and gold expert, said that a lot of things had to be considered and far more investigation was necessary before that could be decided.

Comparative data from different flint stones would have to be gathered. And even if it was not real, it still had a very interesting history, she said.

The axe was made of good quality material and was made by someone who was skilled and had knowledge of different materials.

“It is beautifully made: there has been no use of modern tools in its making,” she said. Carol Fitzgerald added that research was at an interesting stage. “It is all quite exciting, and even if it is a fake, it remains fascinating and will still go into the History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition. It will be held for safekeeping at the Archaeological Resource Centre at nearby Chester House, until then”.

As the guest curator of the Higham’s axe display, Carol now awaits the results of the further detailed research before writing the content information for the 100 Objects exhibition.

A copy of the axe will go on display for the first time at Chichele College in June, featuring at an exhibition about The Life of Chichele College being held during Great Big Green Week. It will also form a major part of the Northamptonshire Heritage Forum History Day on 18 October.

February 2025

Higham Ferrers Tourism's food for thought aids the needy

Higham Ferrers Tourism (Tourism) are always thinking of projects for the benefit of the town and the local community. And we have been plotting one for months that will help those in need over Christmas and beyond. We have been earmarking proceeds from various events throughout the year for the Higham Ferrers Food Bank, run by the local charity Encompass. Members have also been rattling the collection bucket at some of our functions to boost our year-end donation to the food bank.

Now we have just donated a much-needed £500 to Encompass, which will convert it into grocery and household essentials ─ and some extra Christmas cheer – for local families facing financial hardship. “This donation will definitely help people over Christmas and into the new year,” said Jo Burns, chief executive of Encompass, when members of Tourism visited the Higham Ferrers Working Men's Club where food parcels are sorted out ready for distribution every Tuesday morning.

They also met volunteers – Mayor Nigel Brown, Mayoress Jackie Brown and Councillor Jennie Bone ─ described as the “backbone” of the organisation by the chief executive. The Mayor pointed out that Encompass was particularly grateful to the Working Men's Club for making a room available to them free of charge as without it, they could not operate.

Liz Barnatt, chair of Tourism, said that the charity did such “wonderful and worthwhile” work for the community that there was no debate among members about which organisation should receive the end-of-year donation.

Encompass provides food parcels to a total of 600 households in Higham Ferrers, Rushden, Raunds and Thrapston, with 94 families in Higham Ferrers benefitting from the charity. “Families receive food parcels six times a year, but if they are in real dire straits, we can increase it to eight times,” Jo explained.

The charity relies on donations from companies as well as organisations and individuals and donations had dropped during the year. “Households and businesses are facing hard times and cannot give as much. At one stage, donations dropped to almost nothing and as a result, we had to cut down on some of the items in food parcels,” Jo said. “However, donations are slowly increasing again, largely due to Harvest Festivals and the festive season,” she added.

Kind-hearted local people remember the charity at Christmas and just as we were leaving the photoshoot, a local woman arrived at the club with £100 cheque from her elderly neighbour.

Encompass has food collection points across the county in local supermarkets and doctors’ surgeries and Jo said the charity was particularly grateful for the regular donations from the Higham Ferrers Co-op which donates fresh food which it has left over at the end of the day.

As well as helping people in poverty, Encompass also caters for those in addiction and homelessness.

To contact Encompass:

• phone 01933 733001

• email info@compasscharity.org.uk

December 2023

Bowled over by the "beautiful tapestry" that is Higham Ferrers

Higham Ferrers might well be a beautiful medieval market town steeped in history, but there is always something new going on.

Hailed as “one of the gems of Northamptonshire”, by Morcea Walker, MBE, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the County, some of the town’s activities are now on show at the Discover Northamptonshire shop at Rushden Lakes, which focuses on regional culture, tourism and heritage.

A new display by Higham Ferrers Tourism, outlining the recent work of local volunteers, has just been unveiled and makes for fascinating viewing.

The showcase display tells how the Tourism Committee has just released a guide to the town’s Blue Plaque sites, how it involved children in King Charles’ Coronation celebrations and traces activities at the medieval Duchy Barn Garden in the heart of the town.

Two Heritage Forum Awards are also on display, one awarded to Higham Ferrers Tourism and the other to the Friends of St Mary’s, which is dedicated to the preservation of the Grade 1 listed buildings in the town.

A mitre headdress on the top shelf is a reminder that the town’s most famous son was Henry Chichele (1313-1443), who became Archbishop of Canterbury. Chichele founded the local Chichele College, the Bede House as well as the world-famous All Souls College, Oxford.

Two replica Roman Samian ware bowls, which were personally commissioned by Olwen Mayes, chair of the Higham Ferrers Archaeology and Research Society (HiFars), also take pride of place.

As Olwen explains in the story about the Dragendorff Form 37 Samian bowls, they represent a journey of a lifetime for her.

The project from start to finish took nine years and “I’m so happy and proud to be able to share it with our local community.”

She explains that the decoration is based on original decorated sherds uncovered by the Oxford Archaeology Unit and a local resident at the Roman excavation in Kings Meadow Lane in Higham Ferrers “and I spent many happy hours researching who might have designed the wonderful decoration…and had the incredible talent to transfer that skill to making the bowl and how it was done”.

Inspired by her findings, she travelled to Lezoux in central France, where Gerard Moria was making various styles of Samian pots. Gerard’s apprentice, Dr Arnau Trullen Fernandez, drew the decoration into software on his laptop.

Then, earlier this year, she returned to France where she commissioned Arnau to create the replicas. She was able to film the whole process of the bowls being made on the wheel. Now a talk which will include the film footage and her personal experiences about her trip to Leroux is being drafted and information on the date and venue will appear on the HiFARS website.

 In a quote by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, Morcea Walker, which is on display, she notes: “The presence of its most famous son Henry Chichele, Archbishop of Canterbury and an Advisor to King Henry V…the buildings, shops, sites of interest – including the market square, events all year round - helps to create a beautiful tapestry that is Higham Ferrers. I learn something new every time I go there and that is the joy of this town.”

Meanwhile, Sarah Scott, the Professor of Archaeology at the School of Archaeology and Ancient History at the University of Leicester, refers to “special people and places revealed through a heritage trail, fascinating connections with continental potters past and present…Compelling stories of curiosity, kindness and collaboration which are having a profound impact on people of all ages…So inspiring!”

Professor Peregrine Horden of All Souls College, Oxford, also says he is always “so impressed by all the educational work being done in Chichele College and the warmth of the local community”.

October 2023

Twin wins for Higham Ferrers - Double delight for local organisations

Higham Ferrers has clinched two coveted awards and local volunteers behind the double win could not be more delighted.

At a special event at Chester House, representatives of Higham Ferrers Tourism as well as The Friends of St Mary’s received awards from the Northamptonshire Heritage Forum.

And what made it particularly thrilling for the two organisations, was that they have only recently joined the Heritage Forum.

The Tourism committee, represented by the chairperson Liz Barnatt, and the treasurer, Kevin Bird, received the Hindsight Award for the “Best Published  Work – Other Materials,” which recognised the research and production involved in their committee’s entry which was a work of a historical aspect of Northamptonshire’s heritage that had been made publicly accessible and had been published.

The Friends of St Mary’s, represented by the secretary Carol Fitzgerald and trustee Pam Webbley, were presented with the award for their entry, judged the best project delivered by a group or society.

“I feel absolutely thrilled that we won an award,” said Liz.

“And I am still on a high,” Carol added, the day after the awards ceremony, attended by the Heritage Forum patron Lord Spencer.

Higham Tourism’s entry was their documentary entitled “Chichele College: Celebrating 600 years” which is available on YouTube, and which detailed the day-to-day use of the historical scheduled monument – and featuring all those who regularly visit and cared for the site.

The documentary was made possible thanks to £500 provided by the Nene Valley Festival as part of the National Lottery-funded Nenescape initiative.

The Friends of St Mary’s entry, entitled “Gateway to the 600-year history of The Bede House,” detailed how members who are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of local medieval buildings, raised £12,361 through grants and fund-raising to replace the ancient and locked access gate from Midland Road to the Bede House, the church and the Chantry Chapel with a new gate and pathway.

The project involved liaising with the church authorities, the carpenter, and stonemasons, with the organisation’s entry explaining that gates through ancient sites were more than a convenience.

“They offer a journey into a town’s fascinating past,” they explained.

Complimenting all the winners, Lord Spencer said that the awards event was a celebration of history which was rich with stories of past communities.

July 2023

Higham Tourism Team a hit in knock-out tournament

The recent Great Big Green Week proved a hive of activity at Higham Ferrers’ landmark Chichele College.

Higham Ferrers Tourism organised the first croquet tournament of the summer between four teams and took top spot in the clash. Following a training session on the grassy court by expert, Susan Perkins, the four teams of four players – representing Higham Tourism, Chichele College Management, the Bedesmen and the Volunteer Gardeners – took on the challenge, as supporters, sipping icy drinks on the sidelines, watched the tournament unfold.

“It took us many years to get permission from Historic England to stage croquet on the lawn” explained the Chair of Chichele College Management. “We eventually got permission to play last year on condition the hoops are not inserted too far into the ground.”

And pupils learn how to help hedgehogs

Earlier, some 80 Year-5 pupils from the neighbouring Higham Ferrers Junior School spent the day at the College where they learned about medieval farming. With music provided by English Heritage, pupils were also shown how to make a bug hotel and hedgehog nests and how to position a hedgehog house. And they planted a mini floral meadow, forerunner of the college’s plans for the green recreational area to be edged with meadow plants, part of King Charles’ wish to increase meadow areas.

A Year-5 teacher, Alex Morris, contacted Carol later to say that they had all had a wonderful time and that, once back home, some pupils had already made hedgehog nests and helped a family member with gardening.

To finish off the special week, a planter which doubles as a bike rack ─ courtesy of English Heritage ─ was ordered for the college. “The idea is that with somewhere safe to store their bikes, more people will be encouraged to visit the site,” Carol said.

June 2023

A gift from the Queen

The historic town of Higham Ferrers is continuing to play a special part in modern-day history.

One of the trees that form the Queen’s Green Canopy-a unique national initiative marking Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee has been planted in the town’s community Duchy Barn Garden, which is alongside the famous fifteenth-century Henry Chichele College.

The two-metre pear tree was planted by Mick Waldram and Tom Hardesty on behalf of the Duchy of Lancaster, which is a unique portfolio of land, property and assets held in trust for the Sovereign. Originally, Higham Ferrers was the property of the Earl of Derby but Robert Ferrers rebelled against the King, Henry III resulting in this land being confiscated and given to the King’s son, Edmund, the Earl of Lancaster. Hence Chichele College is one of the original sites of the Duchy of Lancaster Estates.

The Queen’s Higham Ferrers tree is one of 80 being planted around the country by the Duchy of Lancaster. The Estates Surveyor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Archie Rose, had asked that a fruit tree be planted in the Duchy Barn Garden to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign.

The Duchy Barn Garden was renovated by a team of enthusiastic volunteer gardeners during lockdown and unveiled to the public last year.

The volunteers spent a total of 798 hours working on the project and some of them ─ Celia Ingram, Pat Barber and Carol Fitzgerald ─ arrived ahead of the recent tree-planting event to prepare the ground and enable the two Duchy of Lancaster gardeners to plant the pear tree. Liz Barnatt, chair of the Higham Ferrers Tourism Committee, also attended.

The tree, which now takes pride of place in the unique garden, has spent three years in the nursery and is likely to grow to between eight-ten metres, Waldram said.

While most of the 80 trees that the Duchy of Lancaster is planting are oaks on farming properties, Carol Fitzgerald, chair of the Chichele College Management Team, said that it was fitting that a pear tree had been planted in the Duchy Barn Garden.

“There used to be an orchard here for the secular monks back in medieval times,” she said. “It’s an honour that our tree is one of 80.”

“We are celebrating the 600th anniversary of Chichele College this year and the Duchy Barn Garden tree-planting event is the first of many in our special year,” she added.

It is hoped that a representative of the Duchy of Lancaster will unveil a plaque for the tree at a special ceremony in the summer.

January 2022