Trades and transport

The boot and shoe trade

Learn about Northamptonshire's famous boot and shoe trade on the Northamptonshire boot and shoe website (external link).

Image: Lasting at Mansfield Shoe Factory © Northamptonshire Archives Service

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The brewing industry

Learn about Northamptonshire's long history of brewing.

Image: Boiler Room at Campbell Praed's, 1911 © Brewery History Society

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Canals

Learn about the canals in Northamptonshire and the people who worked on them.

Image: The Grand Junction Canal near Welton © Northamptonshire Archives Service

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The Corby iron and steel industry

Learn about the iron and steel industry that shaped Corby and dominated all aspects of life until the steelworks closed in 1980.

Image: The Corby Works © Corby Borough Council

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The fire brigade

See historic photographs of Northamptonshire's local fire brigades on the Fire and Rescue Service website (external link).

Image: The Long Buckby fire engine 'Vulcan' © Northamptonshire Archives Service

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Lacemaking

From the 16th to 19th century, the East Midlands was an important area for bobbin lacemaking. Learn about the industry in Northamptonshire.

Image: Mrs Brown, Cosgrove lacemaker © Northamptonshire Archives Service

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Railways

Learn about the building and development of the railways in Northamptonshire.

Image: Steam train, c.1920 © Northamptonshire Archives Service

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Roads

Learn about the Roman, medieval, and modern road systems in Northamptonshire.

Image: The M1 at the Watford Gap, c.1960 © Northamptonshire Archives Service

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