Historic Northampton market to star on the big screen

A film is being made to mark the reopening of an 835-year-old market after a £10m regeneration project.

Northampton market is returning to its traditional site after relocating more than a year ago.

The film is being produced by Northampton Film Festival (NFF), whose director said it would set the scene for the next phase of the market's life.

A rule banning fishwives from arguing is part of its colourful history.

Northampton got its first market charter in 1189, allowing goods to be sold in the grounds of All Saints Church.

Henry III banned the use of the church for selling produce, so the traders moved outside its grounds to the current Market Square.

The market was paved for the first time way back in 1530, and some bizarre rules were put in place to govern trading.

One order stated: "No butcher's or fishmonger's wife shall fall out with one another nor use or speak any evil or slanderous words or otherwise revile."

A fine or the stocks awaited offenders.

The square has been used over the years for many events, from war fundraisers to music festivals and even temporary summer beaches.

In 2023, traders were relocated to a car park while the square received a facelift, with new permanent stalls, better seating and a water feature installed.

NFF started the process of producing the film by running sessions open to anyone who wanted to contribute ideas or share their memories of the square, and archive material has been collected.

NFF director Becky Carrier said: "At NFF we say that Northampton is a place of Rebels and Revolutionaries, Misfits and Mavericks, Creatives and Changemakers, and Northampton Market Square has certainly seen its fair share of all of those.

"We feel it's imperative that the Northampton public help us tell its story and set the scene for the next chapter of its life."

Jane Birch, from Northampton Town Council, which commissioned the film, said: "Northampton has a heritage to be very proud of and this film is the perfect way to engage our residents, both young and old, in celebrating our past and looking to the future."

The film will be shown on a big screen once the square has reopened and added to Northampton Town Council's social media accounts and website.

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