Rothwell: Market House and Rowell Fair

Rothwell offers several distinct reasons to plan a trip: the historic Rowell Fair, architectural history at Market House, and exhibitions about the town’s history and local art. If you’re looking for a hotel in Rothwell, you can plan your travel dates around whether you want to focus on an event or on the town’s cultural attractions. The Fair dates vary from year to year.

The Rowell Fair and its opening

The week-long Rowell Fair has been held in Rothwell every year since 1204 as a Charter Street Fair. It opens with the Bailiff of the Lord of the Manor riding through Rothwell early in the morning. A group of halberdiers accompanies him, and the ancient charter is read aloud during the ceremony. These established elements give the opening a ceremonial character, while the dates vary each year.

During the Fair, rides, street entertainment, live bands, food and drink, stalls and exhibitors fill the town centre. The programme may differ from year to year. The Fair thus combines its historic origins with events in the town centre; if you’re planning your trip around it, check the dates for the year in question.

Market House and architectural history

Rothwell Market House was built in 1578 to designs by William Grumbold for Sir Thomas Tresham. It was completed in 1895 for use as council chambers and a library, and the building was restored in 1913. The rectangular ground plan, projecting square bays and round stair tower define the architecture of Market House.

Ossuaries and Rothwell’s cultural history

Rothwell Charnel Chapel houses one of only two surviving medieval ossuaries in situ in England. The Bone Crypt dates from the 13th century and contains the remains of around 2,500 people. The rare preservation of the ossuary in its original location sits alongside the age and scale of the Bone Crypt.

Exhibitions at the Rothwell Arts & Heritage Centre showcase the town’s medieval past. The centre also documents Rothwell’s important role in the footwear and lace industries. The Jim Dale Room is dedicated to Jim Dale’s life and show-business career, using photographs from his family collection. The exhibition includes original recordings, posters, scripts and memorabilia. The Janet Bassett Gallery displays local art; the works on show change over time. Together, these subjects offer different ways to explore the town’s history, industry, show business and art.

Activities and getting there

The Rothwell Wellbeing Walk meets outside The Market House every Friday at 10 am. Check the time before you travel. Near Rothwell, Rothwell Gullet is an old ironstone quarry with ferns, fungi, woodland and grassland. One path there includes a stile and steep steps; another, winding and hilly path has additional steps and another stile. As path conditions and access can change, check the latest information before visiting.

Rothwell’s nearest railway station is in Kettering on the Midland Main Line. If you’re travelling by train, it’s a good idea to check the current service, as rail arrangements can change. If you’re planning your trip around the Rowell Fair or the Wellbeing Walk, take their respective dates into account when choosing your stay: the Fair is held annually, its dates vary, and the Walk is scheduled for Fridays at 10 am.

Discover more destinations: Corby, Ashby Saint Ledgers, Braunston, Brackley, Wellingborough, Hackleton, Kilsby, Desborough

For the broader travel overview: Northamptonshire.