Rushden

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Map sources for Rushden at grid reference SP9566

See also: Rushden, Hertfordshire

Rushden is a town in England in the county of Northamptonshire, lying on the A6 mid-way between Bedford and Kettering.

The southern limits of the town border on the county of Bedfordshire, and to the north lies the River Nene (locally pronounced Nen) which flows into The Wash.

The parish of Rushden covers an area of some 3777 acres (15 km²),[old estimation] and falls within the administration of East Northamptonshire Council. The population of Rushden was 25,849 when the 2001 census was taken, now the estimated population is around 30,000 making it the fifth largest town in Northamptonshire

Rushden lies in a small valley, with a stream or brook known as Sidney Brook flowing through the centre of the town. In recent years, this stream has been culverted to prevent flash flooding. From which ever way Rushden is approached, the streets and roads can be seen stretching out in the valley, with the spire of St Mary's church prominent above the rooftops.

1 History
2 Sports
3 Transport
4 Politics
- 4.1 Nearby settlements
- 4.2 External links

[edit] History

Rushden's roots and prosperity have resulted from a number of industries, including lace making and farming, although the boot and shoe industry, and associated trades were responsible for the largest growth in the town. In the industry's heyday there were well over 100 boot and shoe factories in Rushden.

Today just a handful of these factories survive. One of the most renowned is Sanders and Sanders, which makes boots for the British Army and several other defence departments throughout the world. Some of the redundant factories have been converted into flats. Today, as with many towns in England, industry in the town is varied, and mostly situated in an out-of-town industrial estate. As with the industry, town centre shopping in Rushden has changed considerably recently although there are many excellent shops. Rushden has the oldest toy shop in the county.

In 1893 a short branch line railway opened linking Rushden and Higham Ferrers with the Midland Main Line. The line was closed in 1959 and dismantled. In 1991 the trackbed was converted into a pocket park [1].

The former Rushden railway station is now owned by the Rushden Historical Transport Society [2], which operates a museum and real ale bar. The society often holds special events, including an annual 3-day transport cavalcade. The society aims to rebuild the branch line from Higham Ferrers to Wellingborough.

There is a local heritage centre situated in part the former Council Offices in Newton Road. The Rushden and District History Society have a cabinet, and also host special displays from time to time. Exhibitions are changed every six weeks. The centre is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.00pm, and on the second, third and fifth Saturdays of each month at the same times.

There is also a privately owned museum in Rushden which is situated in the town's Hall Park. It is open between the months of May and October.

Rushden Hall is oldest domestic buildings in the town, once owned by many families throughout the year including the Sartoris family and the Pembertons family. Nowadays the hall is the head office of the town council and some rooms are available for hiring. It lies in 32 acres of land which now is a public park (Hall Park).

A new road has been built which by passes Rushden and Higham Ferrers, it starts on the A6 Bedford Road and finishes at Chowns Mill Roundabout, Irthlingborough.

[edit] Sports

The town's football club, Rushden Town merged with nearby Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992 to become Rushden & Diamonds. The new club plays in at Nene Park, on the outskirts of Irthlingborough, and currently competes in the Nationwide Conference. Their shirts are sponsored by Moto. A smaller non-league side Rushden Rangers F.C. now play at the former ground of Rushden Town (Hayden Road).

[edit] Transport

Rushden is on the A6 trunk road between Luton and the East Midlands.

Rushden is one of the largest towns in Britain without an operational railway station. The nearest railway station is at Wellingborough about four miles away, on the Midland Main Line, although no bus service currently links Rushden to Wellingborough station. The X46 bus service stops at Midland Road in Wellingborough about half a mile from the station. Local transport campaigners have argued for the opening of a 'park and ride' station at nearby Irchester. [3]

[edit] Politics

Rushden has a town Council, which to date, has a composition of 19 Conservatives and 1 Labour. Cllr Steven North is the current leader of Rushden Town Council, with Cllr Mrs Kaye Rawlins acting as Mayor for the 2006/07 period.

As a result of recent Electoral changes, Rushden has been divided into 5 wards for both District and Town Council purposes. With the following re-classifications: Rushden Spencer (formerly North), Rushden Hayden (formerly East), Rushden Bates (formerly South), Rushden Sartoris (formerly South) and Rushden Pemberton (formerly West).

On April 4th 2007, it was announced that 4 of the 5 wards in Rushden would be 'uncontested' for the forthcoming Election on May 3rd. As a result of fielding candidates in all 5 wards, the Conservative Party have won 10 of the 13 District and 18 of the 21 Town Council seats. Consequently there shall only be an election in the Rushden Hayden ward; where the Conservative, Labour and the Green Parties are contesting.