A Knights Trail around Northampton

Cllr David Mackintosh has unveiled six large-scale medieval knight sculptures that will appear in Northampton town centre from next week as a celebration of the town’s rich history.

The imposing artworks will charge into town creating ‘A Knights Trail’ for people to follow.  Each of the knights has been styled to depict the historical details of English knights from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries.  These periods have been chosen as they relate to significant events in medieval England and Northampton:
•        Signing of the Magna Carta in 1215
•        Second Barons’ War in 1264
•        Start of the Hundred Years’ War in 1337
•        Last parliament held at Northampton Castle in 1381
•        Battle of Northampton in 1460

The wooden knight sculptures have been carved out of huge trunks by a group of three chainsaw artists who have exhibited around the world and won many prestigious commissions, including ones at Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and The Queen’s private stables at Sandringham.  The Forestry commission and Woodland Trust have also awarded the artists several commissions.

As well as the six knights, there will be a three-dimensional sculpture of the town crest featuring the devise of Northampton castle supported by two lions.  The crest has been used by the town from early times and the representation of the castle is believed to be one of the ancient town gates.  The two lions are thought to have been adopted from those on the shield of the king to indicate that Northampton was a royal borough.
Visit www.lovenorthampton.co.uk for a map to help you track down the knights and crest.  The site also features photos of each knight and the crest and a little of the history of the period.  Maps will also be available to pick up at various locations around the town including the Tourist Information Centre, Grosvenor Shopping Centre, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery and The Guildhall One Stop Shop.

Cllr David Mackintosh, Leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “As well as being a lot of fun, the knights represent our town’s rich history.  They certainly aren’t what you would expect to see when you come into town and I really hope people enjoy spotting all six knights as they follow the trail.”

The knights will be in the town centre until the end of August.