Conserving Corby

A HERITAGE STRATEGY

FOR CORBY BOROUGH

February 2006

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CONTENTS Page 1. Introduction 3

Heritage Defined 3 Heritage and Corby’s Future Development 4

2. The Heritage Resources of the Borough 5

Key Themes and Topics 11 3. The Markets for Heritage 12 4. Organisational Infrastructure 13

A Focus for Heritage Matters 14 5. Action Plan 16 6. Implementing the Strategy 22

Strategy prepared for Corby Borough Council by Oxford Archaeology and Graham Barrow Research and Consulting Ltd February 2006 Front Cover: Meeting Lane, Corby early 1930’s. The Archive of Photographs Series. 1996. Chalford. Compiled by Peter Hill.

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1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 This heritage strategy provides the strategic context and identifies specific actions for protecting and “making more” of the heritage resources of the Borough of Corby. It is a policy document for Corby Borough Council and for its partner organisations who wish to conserve the natural and man made heritage, improve physical and intellectual access to it and create educational, economic and social activity that utilise the heritage assets of the Borough. It is a document that will be integrated with the social and economic development plans for the Borough to ensure that there is a balanced and sustainable development of Corby that takes into account the natural and man made environment, its history, future conservation and management. 1.2 This strategy is also prepared for partner organisations who have an interest in heritage matters in Corby so that they can work with Corby Borough to realise agreed aims and objectives. 1.3 The Heritage Strategy is set in 3 volumes; this overview document, a fuller heritage strategy report (Volume 2) and a resource inventory (Volume 3). A series of short, medium and long-term actions that integrate heritage initiatives into the local development framework have been put forward. These aim to increase the awareness of heritage in the Borough and to encourage participation and the enjoyment of these valuable resources, for the benefit of all. “Heritage” Defined 1.4 Heritage has a very broad definition which is often misused or misunderstood. For this strategy heritage is defined as all things that we choose and value as points of reference to the past. It is what has been inherited from previous generations and that we wish to pass on to our children. One person’s view of heritage may be different to another’s, but combined provide Corby with a distinctiveness, identity and sense of place. 1.5 For the purposes of this strategy, heritage is defined as follows: Physical Heritage: natural and cultural landscapes both rural and urban that we inhabit

movable cultural heritage (artefacts and objects, museums or creation of museums etc)

built heritage (visible heritage)

natural heritage (semi-natural habitats and plant and animal species) Cultural Heritage: the stories of our past - our history

oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage

performing arts;

societal structures, traditions (rituals and festive events), values and religion.

knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe;

traditional craftsmanship.

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Heritage and Corby’s future development 1.6 Heritage is an important resource that can enrich social and cultural experiences and contribute to the overall regeneration of the Borough. Studies have shown that ‘when and where our historic environment is valued and cared for, social and economic benefits can be generated for everyone, creating desirable, distinctive and economically successful places’ (English Heritage Strategy 2005-2010) 1.7 Heritage can encourage people to use new skills, provide community and leisure opportunities, bring people together and encourage social harmony, and develop a sense of identity, worth and ownership. Heritage is also a significant and growing segment and basis of the tourism industry. 1.8 The redevelopment plans for Corby in the next two decades provide an impetus and a huge opportunity to integrate the existing heritage resources of the Borough with new developments and provide the present and new communities with a ‘sense of place’ and identity, whilst encouraging social well-being and contribute to balanced economic development. 1.9 The following priority areas will be important in making the most of the heritage resources in Corby Borough:

raising awareness of the importance and interest of heritage for all in Corby so that the natural and historical foundations of the area can contribute fully to its regeneration and have the wide support and involvement of the public.

integrating heritage conservation and management policies with those for economic and social development. This strategy links with the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) Community Strategy, The “One Corby” Corporate Plan and other Corby Borough Council strategies (particularly the cultural strategy, young people’s strategy and arts strategy). This approach will increase benefit to the Borough through the alignment and integration of economic development, tourism, voluntary sector participation and cultural/heritage strategies, efforts and resources.

balancing care for the historic environment with the need for change will promote a sustainable environment. The Council will work with partners to protect and enhance the physical and cultural heritage resources during the redevelopment process and heritage assessments will be incorporated into the planning process and will be important in identifying opportunities as well as threats to existing heritage resources.

working together with the County Council and other District an Borough Councils, English Heritage, the new Natural England and other Northamptonshire and East Midlands organisations to secure better current arrangements for the storage and retrieval of records and finds from new archaeological excavation commissioned by developers will be a priority.

we will also work to develop and improve access to and the presentation and interpretation of heritage assets throughout the Borough. Access to records, artefacts and important natural and historical sites will be important for developing leisure, local educational and tourism related resources.

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2. CORBY’S HERITAGE RESOURCES The Approach 2.1 Records of heritage sites have been identified from a range of sources and have been plotted on a series of maps produced at different levels of detail (see Volume 2 and 3). Mapped features are accompanied by an appendix that provides brief descriptions of each heritage feature (Volume 3). Further maps have been reproduced that show significant sites of natural importance, landscape characterisation and historic landscape development within the area. Key assets have been selected based on the following criteria:

Local and national heritage significance

Accessibility

Educational resource value

Protection and care of resource The key physical heritage assets of the Borough are shown in Figures 1 and 2 at the back of this strategy (Please note: these maps are not included in the OCPC 11.04.06 version, but will appear in the final bound copy). The Natural Environment 2.4 The industrialisation and urbanisation of the landscape over the past 150 years has included massive conversion of pastoral land to arable as well as large scale mineral extraction, urbanisation and the construction of new communication systems. However, there are important surviving tracts of ancient woodlands and associated wetlands within the Borough, many of which were parts of the ancient Forest of Rockingham. This was one of three major Norman woodlands, created on the orders of William I, within the historic county of Northampton which were the favourite hunting grounds of Norman, Plantagenet and Tudor monarchs.

Geddington Chase and Weldon Park are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. In 2001 Weldon Park was heavily replanted with the intention that it should become more attractive for wildlife.

Hazel and Thoroughsale Woods, in the heart of Corby town, are a mixture of ancient, semi-natural and replanted woodland. Close to the town centre the woods feature a boating lake which boasts a healthy population of fish and waterfowl.

Kings Wood in the centre of Corby was formerly part of Rockingham Forest and is the first Local Nature Reserve in the county. 250 species of plants have been recorded in the ancient woodland.

Great Oakley nature reserve is one of the best surviving fragments of the medieval ridge and furrow field system.

2.5 Corby also has two registered Parks and Gardens:

East Carlton Country Park - 100 acres of parkland with nature trails, overlooking the Welland Valley. With splendid views across the Valley the park offers country walks through mature woodland and grasslands.

Rockingham Castle, Park and Gardens - an award winning visitor attraction that features a castle set in formal gardens and pleasure grounds dating to the 17th century. It’s Great Park stretches over 300 acres of spectacular countryside.

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2.6 On the eastern fringe of the Borough is Deene Park - the 16th century gardens and park associated with the Country House and Kirby Hall - the remains of formal gardens of the late 16th and 17th centuries associated with a magnificent ruined Tudor mansion. Archaeology and Settlement History 2.7 Early settlement in the Corby area probably began in the Bronze Age, and had developed significantly by the Iron Age, by which time the area was being farmed and exploited for its natural mineral resources. When the Romans arrived they built a road linking Leicester with the Roman town at Huntingdon which passed through what is now modern Corby. One section of this road is a Scheduled Ancient Monument where it crosses Hazel Woods. Another ancient road, Jurassic Way, crosses the Roman road between Kingswood and Cottingham. These roads were probably a focus for settlement, possibly a small Roman town. The Roman villas at Little Weldon and East Stanion show that people of wealth and high status lived in the Corby area for hundreds of years. 2.8 The Anglo Saxons were responsible for the names and form of many of the villages in the Borough today, with the exception of Corby, which is thought to have been given its name by a Viking leader called ‘Kori’ who established settlements in the area after 865AD. 2.9 William the Conqueror founded a castle at Rockingham, soon after the conquest. The current castle and house is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. In the 16 century Deene Park was established to the east of the Borough by the Brudenell family, and East Carlton Park, also established in the 16th century, to the west, by the Palmer family. During the Medieval period the district featured a typical feudal landscape of open fields and common land. Rockingham was rebuilt because of road realignment and the ravages of the Civil War. Kirby was decimated, by Sir Christopher Hatton, who needed to use the land the village was on for his gardens and park. 2.10 In the Post-Medieval period one of the finest early Elizabethan mansions in the country was built at Kirby Hall by Sir Humphrey Stafford. Kirby Hall, now a ruin, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Part of the estate lies within the parish of Gretton. The Built Heritage 2.11 The greatest “time-depth” of surviving landscape is seen in the villages and small areas of the ancient woodland. In most of the villages the plan form established between 700-1000 years ago is still largely preserved. Many of the 194 Listed Buildings in the villages were built in the post Medieval period or later. Only one building survives from the 20th century steel works, as the area has been re-developed with modern factory units, offices and retail outlets. Conservation Interest

Area name Conservation Area

Listed buildings

Special interest

Corby Lloyds Estate

Yes None specifically

Lloyds Estate is an early example of planned social housing which is now a Conservation Area

Corby Old Village

Recommended 3 Grade 2* Listed Buildings

The old High Street retains some historic character with nine Medieval and Post

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Medieval Listed Buildings

Rockingham Yes 29 listed buildings

Rockingham Castle one of the major tourist attractions for the borough today.

Middleton Yes (centre of village)

12 Listed Buildings in Main Street

The north east part of East Carlton Park lies within the Parish

Cottingham Yes 11 Listed Buildings in the village

South west part of Rockingham Park lies within the parish

East Carlton No 9 listed buildings

East Carlton Hall and the surrounding Country Park, the Borough’s heritage focus

Stanion Recommended 15 Listed Buildings in Stanion

Roman settlements and ironworking quarries and extensive medieval pottery industry

Gretton Yes 46 Listed Buildings in the village

Contains part of the deserted medieval village of Kirby, and part of Kirby Hall

Great Oakley Yes 2 Listed Buildings in the village

Great Oakley Hall, coach house and stables. Spread Eagle Public House is also a Grade 2 listed building outside of conservation area.

Weldon Yes 51 Listed Buildings

A Scheduled Ancient Monument, Weldon Lock-Up to the side of the village green

Customs, Traditions and Legends 2.12 The following are the main customs, traditions and legends associated with the Borough of Corby:

Corby “Pole Fair” – A fair was granted by Henry III in 1226. This developed into a more elaborate event, from 1862, people, including the community leaders such as the mayor are ‘poled’ through the town in chairs on long poles, taken to the stocks and made to pay for their freedom. With its origins thought to date back to the Viking period, this tradition is still held every 20 years on Whit Monday.

Rough Music - An ancient tradition of driving out anyone who had strayed from the norm within a community by creating a huge amount of noise outside their house with tin cans and buckets. Last recorded case in 1936.

Tander Day - A lace-makers holiday, which was used as an opportunity for great celebration and cross-dressing.

Pin and Candle Auctions - Associated with the steel workers. This was a way of limiting bidding at an auction by putting a pin in a candle. When it burned down and the pin fell out, bidding stopped.

Gangs of Corby - In the Medieval period gangs of poachers roamed the area and conducted gang warfare in defence of territories that they regarded as their own.

Robin Hood - A ‘Robyn Hode’ was imprisoned in Rockingham Castle in 1356 for poaching. William of Drayton was a local poacher who wore green clothes and a hood.

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Queen Mary’s Treasure - In 1576 money and jewellery were stolen from Queen Mary and buried by the thieves in Rockingham Forest near Geddington. It has never been recorded as recovered, and may still be there today.

Witches in Weldon and Ghosts at Haunt Hill House - There are numerous report of witches and ghostly encounters within the Borough.

The Highland Gathering / Cultural Day - At one point, it was estimated that over 70% of the population of Corby were of Scottish descent, and the largest Highland games outside Scotland were held in the town every year. Today the event is more widely based, and celebrated as a Day of Culture.

Guy Fawkes - Tradition has it that Sir Edward Montagu of Boughton was associated with the first official Guy Fawkes' Night bonfire which was lit on the night of the Gunpowder Plot on 5 November 1605 in gratitude for the king being safe. The ritual soon spread, and from that time until 1859 it was a national day of thanksgiving.

The Brickworks, The Quarries, The Steel Story and Modern Corby 2.13 Small brickworks sprang up around the area from the early 1800s. With the coming of the railway in 1879 employment returned to the area in the form of ironstone mining, operated by the Lloyds Ironstone Company. The railway caused a resurgence in the brick industry, with bricks needed for bridges, viaducts etc. The Weldon and Corby Brick Company (1878-1911) also provided employment for Corby and the neighbouring villages. The first iron was made at Corby blast furnaces in 1910. The Corby Quarries initially provided iron ore for sale, but they soon expanded to feed the Corby furnaces taking in large areas of Gretton, Corby, Weldon and Stanion. In the 1950’s and 60’s huge machines were used to quarry on a massive scale - the draglines that were to become a symbol of the Corby system. The first steel was produced at Corby in 1937. Over the following decades the steel works developed dramatically until nationalisation in 1967. The steel works continued to operate as the British Steel Corporation until 1980. The majority of the quarried land has been restored for agriculture and development. The area of the steel works is now a modern industrial estate of factories, offices and retail outlets. 2.14 Waves of migrant workers have come to Corby since the founding of the Steel Works. There is a very distinctive Scottish and Irish enclave that upholds Scottish and Irish traditions and culture in Corby today. More recent migrants from the Balkans, Portugal and from central and eastern Europe bringing their cultures and religions to the town. Large areas of the Borough were developed as low-cost housing for the steel workers, of particular note is the Lloyds Estate, an early example of planned social housing which is now a Conservation Area. 2.15 Regeneration and Growth Plans / Bringing own cultures and creating new ones The current regeneration plans encompass a new town centre with new civic facilities, new housing designed to suit all sectors of the community, new transportation links and new office, commercial and industrial development. These huge projects will together change impressions of Corby once and for all, making it an attractive and accessible place that will meet the needs and aspirations of residents, businesses and visitors alike. This transformation into a vibrant and prosperous place will ensure that Corby attracts new workers who will bring with them exciting new cultures and traditions to enrich the lives of the whole community in the years to come.

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Key Themes and Topics 2.15 To assist with the interpretation and presentation of the heritage assets of the Borough we have identified the following major themes each of which could be fully covered in various interpretation and education projects.

Themes Description and topics Key Heritage Assets

Roman Corby The Romans settled in Corby for at least 300 years and built villas, farmsteads, at least one road, created a cemetery, made pottery and mined the local iron ore. Corby could be the site of a small Roman town.

Archaeological sites. Artefacts in local and national museums.

Rockingham – The Royal hunting forest

The fact that there are small portions of the ancient forest still intact in Corby town today provides a significant and unusual natural heritage asset. The forest also represents a common link between Corby town and the surrounding villages with buildings that survive from the Medieval and later periods.

Rockingham Castle, Geddington Chase. Weldon Park. Oakley Nature Reserve. Hazel Woods, Thoroughsale Woods. Kings wood. Villages of East Carlton, Cottingham, Middleton, Stanion, Gretton, Weldon, Corby, Great Oakley and Rockingham.

Vikings and the Pole Fair

Still re-enacted every 20 years, the Pole Fair is thought to have been introduced by the Vikings. It provides an important and unique heritage asset for the community. Past events have been developed into carnival type days with a whole range of activities for visitors of all ages

The Pole Fair, Photographic and documentary evidence. Corby Old Village

The iron and steel town 800BC-1980

People began mining and smelting local iron ore at Corby, Weldon and Stanion in the Iron Age, between 800BC and 43AD. Here is a fundamental link with the ancient past, that resonates right up to the 1970’s and the eventual closure of the steel works.

Archaeological sites. Artefacts in local and national museums. East Carlton Park Museum. Records held by Corus. Steel workers themselves.

Corby the come-back town

The coming of the railway in 1879 and open cast mining enabled Corby to revive after the 17th and 18th centuries economic depression when the cottage weaving industry was wiped out by industrial production.

Photographic and documentary evidence of open cast mining.

Corby at war During both the world wars the steel works played a vital role in munitions production. The works were protected by anti-aircraft and decoy devices. The command and control bunker used by Allied Command in WW 2 still exists and can be visited. Many people are very interested in this period of history.

Archaeological sites. Photographic and documentary evidence from World Wars 1 and 2.

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3. MARKETS FOR HERITAGE RESOURCES 3.1 Every effort will be made to make heritage relevant to the following groups of people, each of which will benefit from the implementation of the potential projects identified in this strategy. Educational Groups 3.2 Local Schools and Colleges will be able to use heritage sites and teaching materials for curriculum related studies. This will provide opportunities to study topics related to a range of curriculum areas, including citizenship, history, geography and biology. Outreach services as proposed in this strategy can be targeted at schools and colleges. Urban and field studies can encourage students to leave the classroom to experience aspects of the town and its surrounding villages and countryside. Young people 3.3 Encouraging the youth of the town to get involved more in local projects is a tough challenge, but one which the new North Northamptonshire Groundwork Trust, the Kingswood Local Alchemy Project and the Youth Service and others are well placed to tackle. A number of the projects in this strategy will provide opportunities for young people to get involved in providing ideas, in physical work and training or in study projects linked to their education. Happenin’ Heritage 3.4 Happenin’ Heritage is a 3 year arts-based project looking at Corby’s heritage. The project is open to anyone aged 9 – 19 living within the Borough. Each year of the project is themed with the first one focusing on the history of Rockingham Castle, then the rise and demise of the steel industry in the town and finally what it’s like to live in Corby today, exploring local myths and legends. Those involved will learn a variety of skills including acting, lighting, sound production and set and costume design. Established residents 3.5 There are a range of socio-economic problems in some parts of Corby, but there is also a sense of civic and community cohesion. There are well known Scottish and Irish traditions that have developed through the immigration of the population drawn by the expanding steel industry. Heritage linked programmes will draw on the oral history of the former steel workers and seek support from them for the work of the proposed Heritage Development Group. More recently migration of Eastern European and Portuguese have brought new cultures to Corby and their input into a Heritage Development Group should also be encouraged. Local Heritage Interest Groups 3.6 The population of the villages are on the whole relatively affluent and most of the villages have established local heritage groups and active parish councils. We will encourage these groups and individuals to work together on Borough-wide projects and to develop heritage linked products in their villages that will be available to residents throughout the Borough. Incomers and new residents 3.7 The growth proposals for Corby to double its population over the next 30 years is likely to mean average socio-economic status will increase. Some will be interested to discover more about the history and environment of the Borough they have moved to. Some may well become activists that support heritage and amenity societies and will be

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the catalyst to get new things going. It will be important that there is an organisational infrastructure ready to accept and encourage these people to get involved. Visitors and tourists 3.8 Whilst Corby town has not been the focus for day trips or staying tourists, there are attractions such as Rockingham Castle, Kirby Hall, Deene Park and East Carlton Country Park that together with the attractive villages are the basis for Corby tourism growth. The Rockingham Motor Speedway is a separate and different kind of attraction, but has the potential to draw people to the Borough. The development of heritage-based attractions will play a part in helping to develop a tourism component to the economy and the planned Nene Valley Regional Park could also be significant. Discussions with Explore Northamptonshire to integrate ideas with their marketing will be valuable. Business visitors 3.9 There are many business visitors to companies in the Borough. Some may stay locally and can be introduced to the heritage interests of the area through room folders and information provided by accommodation providers. Some may find accommodation in villages or new hotels and especially in the summer months could make evening visits to heritage attractions. Occasionally it is this type of visitor who can make business location and investment decisions based on their perception of the quality and interest of the natural and historic environment. Borough Council Elected Members 4.0 It will be important that Corby Borough Councillors as a whole appreciate the benefit of conserving and interpreting the Borough’s natural and man-made heritage. Later in this Strategy it is suggested that a heritage champion is appointed within the Council. It will be important for them to influence the Council as a whole, both staff and elected members. 4. ORGANISATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE 4.1 Corby Borough presently has no professional staff with qualifications or significant experience in heritage development and conservation matters. The County Council provides advice through its Sustainable Development Section as follows.

Specialist archaeological advice on development proposals (provided to all the Borough Councils in the County)

Limited conservation and historic buildings advice (limited by County Council staff resources)

A Finds Liaison Officer is available throughout the County, but has not been active in Corby. From April 2006 for two years access to the county Portable Antiquities Scheme will be available in Corby.

Storage of finds (although these are housed in a number of locations, including Daventry, Buckinghamshire County Museums Service and by archaeological contractors)

4.2 The more positive developmental and presentational aspects of heritage matters have no present champion or focus in Corby. The County Council’s Community Services Department could assist in this area and a partnership with them should be encouraged by the Borough Council.

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4.3 The heritage and environmental voluntary sector is poorly developed in Corby, although there are active historical societies in some of the villages such as Weldon and Gretton. The newly established North Northamptonshire Groundwork Trust and the Rockingham Forest Trust could help galvanise community involvement and the Kingswood Local Alchemy project could be a catalyst in raising interest in heritage matters. 4.4 Corby Borough Council, working in partnership, will strive to develop a focus for heritage conservation and development and this could be pump-primed by the public and private sector, Heritage Lottery Fund and other funding organisations. There is a parallel need for expertise and encouragement both within the Borough Council to meet their statutory requirements in the heritage and conservation fields and outside the Council to develop and support voluntary involvement and interest. 4.5 The Council will seek to appoint a Heritage Development Worker. An elected member should be nominated as a Heritage Champion as an advocate within the local authority. Corby Borough Council will also seek to appoint a Conservation Officer, although this may be in partnership with neighbouring local authorities or partner organisations. A local borough-wide Heritage Forum will be encouraged which will involve voluntary representatives from the town and the villages. This group may be chaired by the Heritage Development Worker or by a suitable volunteer. This group may consider the option of becoming the Corby Borough Civic Society. A Focus for Heritage Matters 4.6 The Council has assessed the potential for a new museum in Corby through consultation with officers of the County Council, the East Midlands Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and the East Midlands Area Museums Service. There is clearly a feeling that an expanding town the size of Corby would merit a new museum or heritage centre and that a new building and organisation could make a significant contribution to the balanced development of the town. But it is clear that a museum, based on a collection, and a heritage centre that focuses on themes and stories, are likely to require significant revenue support, unless its scale is very modest and it is largely managed by volunteers. However, these facilities could attract spending to the borough, helping with the town’s image and provide valuable educational services for local schools and community groups. 4.7 The redevelopment of East Carlton Country Park could result in interesting new heritage displays and activities there, but its location in the countryside, some 3 miles from the town centre of Corby means that it is unlikely to be the only location to bring heritage issues to the fore for the people of the borough. Nevertheless, with the lack of developed heritage expertise in either the public or voluntary sectors and the rapidly changing face of the town, it is felt that this is not yet the time to try to launch a new museum or heritage centre proposal. However, it will remain a long-term goal and could be the vision that motivates and keeps the proposed local Heritage Forum moving forward. The first goal will be to raise the profile of heritage matters and develop a strong commitment to this within both the local authority and the local voluntary sector. 4.8 It is felt that a number of places for heritage interests should be developed in the Borough and some of these are described in more detail in the Action Plan following:

A small heritage centre in Corby Old Village.

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An introductory display in the proposed Civic Hub as part of the new Parkland Gateway development.

A new environmental focal point as part of the Thoroughsale and Hazelwood woodlands, possibly part of the proposed boating lake developments.

The redevelopment of the displays at East Carlton Country Park. 4.9 Northamptonshire does not have a County Museum Service and therefore there is not a main repository for the finds and records generated by archaeological projects in the county. Currently Corby Borough’s finds are deposited in a factory unit in Daventry and two Buckinghamshire County Council premises. The contract for these interim stores are up for renewal in 2006 and neither temporary host is keen on renewal. Northamptonshire County Council are currently assessing the possibility of creating a single long-term store at a property called Chester Farm. Corby Borough Council will give consideration to supporting this county-wide project, recognising that Chester Farm has the potential to become a modern facility that maximises the use of the collections and stimulates future heritage initiatives. In the meantime the Council is working with other district and borough councils to seek a solution to storage issues collectively.

5. IMPLEMENTING THE STRATEGY 6.1 This strategy has identified the natural, historical and cultural heritage of Corby Borough and shown how it can play a key role in the future development and regeneration of the Borough. Getting the strategy adopted and implementing the various projects identified will be a 10 year programme and will require consistent coordination and drive. 6.2 To date Corby has not placed much emphasis on its heritage resources and has little professional expertise in these matters. Similarly the voluntary sector is not as active as in many towns of the size Corby, so raising the awareness and giving leadership concerning the value of heritage resources and their interpretation will be vital as a starting point. 6.3 The Council will adopt the following staged approach Stage 1 Adoption of Strategy The Council will formally adopt the Strategy in draft form, seek approval of the draft from the main partner organisations, modify the draft if required and agree the final strategy knowing that the main partner organisations are supportive. Volumes 2 and 3 that accompany this volumes should be available and published in an attractive illustrated form. A powerpoint presentation of the strategy of the strategy should be made available as an informative tool. Stage 2 Resource Procurement The Strategy identifies the crucial role for an elected member Heritage Champion, a Heritage Development Worker and a Conservation Officer. The latter two will require funding from a combination of the Council and external funding bodies. This funding should be explored as soon as possible.

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The Corby Borough Heritage Forum will be formed and an independent voluntary chair chosen. This group will aim to stimulate and give focus to the voluntary sector and can be assisted and encouraged by Corby Borough Council, Groundwork North Northamptonshire and the Rockingham Forest Trust in particular. A temporary display of the findings of the research work behind this strategy could be an early project for the Heritage Forum and could attract some new volunteers Stage 3 Projects to Provide a Focus and Raise Awareness The Strategy identifies a number of projects that will raise the profile of heritage matters and provide a focus and stimulus to wider activity. The key projects are

The development of a small heritage centre in Corby Village

The development of a heritage display in the Parkland Gateway Civic Hub

The development of town centre woodlands and borough’s natural heritage assets

A survey and record of the 20th Century heritage

The redevelopment of East Carlton Country Park

Stage 4 Further Interpretation of Heritage Looking further ahead there are a range of projects in the strategy which will continue to develop, protect and interpret the heritage resources for the benefit of the Borough. By this time the Heritage Development Group and Heritage Officer will be well established and the organisational structure for the implementation of new projects will be in place. Further historical finds will have been made from research projects associated with the new developments in the town and the storage of these finds will follow the recommendations identified in this strategy. These new finds and the recording of the 20th Century heritage will probably lead to the development of further projects. The historical interest of the villages will be further interpreted through trails, leaflets and occasional events. Stage 5 New Heritage Centre or Museum of Corby The development of activities associated with heritage and the activities of the Corby Borough Heritage Development group may lead to ideas to develop a new museum or heritage centre for the Borough. Corby town will have grown to a population of over 100,000 and the viability of a new museum or heritage centre may be tested at this time.

6. HERITAGE STRATEGY ACTION PLAN The following section contains an action plan for heritage projects to be developed as part of this strategy. They are indicative projects and further ideas may well develop. Some initial further ideas for potential projects are described more fully in Volume 2 of the strategy. Volume 2 includes suggested budgets for projects and further context for discussion and consideration. This heritage strategy primarily supports the One Corby Corporate Plan for Corby Borough Council particularly the following priority:

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Environment

Maximise the contribution of arts, culture, design and conservation activities to regeneration and growth

The Strategy also contributes to the following strategic priorities in the Corporate Plan: Regeneration

To work in partnership with key stakeholders to develop the infrastructure to support economic development of the area

Community

To work in partnership with other agencies to promote healthier lifestyles and improve the health of the residents of the Borough

To invest in new health and community facilities and upgrade existing provision Leadership

Further and better partnership working between the Borough Council and key partners

Partners Whilst this strategy has been prepared and will be updated annually by Corby Borough Council it will require the joint working of a number of key partners to realise its aims. In particular the Council wishes to work closely with Northamptonshire County Council, English Heritage, Natural England, Catalyst Corby, the Wildlife Trust and Explore Northamptonshire amongst others. Local bodies such as the new Joint Venture Regeneration Company, North Northamptonshire Groundwork and the Rockingham Forest Trust in the implementation of this strategy. Current existing voluntary groups and other interested individuals will also play an important role. The formation of the proposed Corby Heritage Forum to bring all of the partners together is seen as a key component of the strategy.

6.1 ACTION PLAN PROJECTS Timescales: The projects in the Action Plan have suggested timescales for their implementation Short - Within the next 2 years Medium – Within the next 5 years Long – within the next 10 years Glossary: CBC – Corby Borough Council NNGT – North Northamptonshire Groundwork Trust RFT – Rockingham Forest Trust NCC – Northamptonshire County Council BCW – Borough Council of Wellingborough CatCorby – Catalyst Corby (including its successor) Wildlife Trust – Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust HLF – Heritage Lottery Fund ExploreN – Explore Northamptonshire Kingswood LA – Kingswood Local Alchemy Friends of ECP – Friends of East Carlton Park

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Projects Objectives Actions Time

scales Suggested Lead Agency and Partners

Potential outcomes, outputs and Targets

1 Adopting and Promoting the Heritage Strategy and Elected Member Heritage Champion

To achieve a consistent and coordinated approach to the protection and development of heritage resources in the Borough To raise the profile of heritage development within the council.

Present to One Corby Policy Committee of CBC for adoption with recommendation to appoint an elected member as heritage champion. Review Strategy Document on Annual Basis in April.

Short and on-going

CBC Strategy to form basis for policy decisions regarding heritage and to be used as tool for promoting heritage development across the borough. Strategy to be adopted and champion appointed at April 2006 One Corby Policy Committee Meeting. Strong political support for heritage projects evident.

2 Secure funding to appoint a Heritage Development Worker

To raise awareness and stimulate voluntary activity regarding heritage matters. To develop new ideas and heritage projects. To advocate on behalf of heritage matters and develop professional expertise.

Secure funding for worker. Funding bid to HLF for 5 year heritage development worker to be submitted end February 2006 (as part of Old Village Heritage Cottage Project – see next action). Appoint worker whose main tasks will be to :

Develop and encourage local community projects.

Work with the community to form a Heritage Forum for

Short / Medium

CBC, HLF, community and voluntary groups and interested individuals

Heightened awareness of Corby’s heritage and how to be involved in heritage in the community. Increased voluntary sector activity and capacity to deliver heritage projects. Increased number of heritage projects being developed within the community.

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Corby borough.

Co-ordinate working between community groups and strategic organisations.

New Heritage Forum established for individuals and groups to join and share heritage resources across the borough.

3 Corby Old Village Heritage Cottage Project

Explore the possibility of the restoration of a historic building in Corby Old Village for use as a small heritage centre and exhibition space. Develop funding bid to heritage lottery fund develop project for cottage and heritage development worker.

Corby Borough Council as the accountable body will commission a structural report and an architectural design for the restoration to provide indicative capital costs. A conservation and management plan will also be developed. Funding bid to be submitted February 2006 with decision by July 2006.

Short/ Medium

CBC / Support letters from community / HLF

Small Heritage Centre opened in 2008 Increased community use and interest in facility. New meeting space within borough. Increased numbers of volunteers involved in the centre. Base provided for new Heritage Development Worker.

4 Corby Conservation Areas

Undertake character appraisals of the 7 designated conservation areas and develop management proposals for them as required. To explore the possibility of Corby Old Village and Stanion becoming conservation areas. To promote the history of the villages by encouraging the development of promotional information.

Explore feasibility of developing Conservation Officer post within Planning Dept. possibly in partnership with other local authorities. Begin character appraisals in 2006 (2 per year). Complete by 2010. Complete feasibility studies for Old Village and Stanion. Develop management proposals beginning 07/08- ongoing work programme of 2 per year.

Short/ Medium

CBC Corby Heritage Forum Parish Councils Local Heritage Groups

Professional conservation advice available in Local Authority. Monitoring for BVPI 219 (a-c) collected from 2006/07. By end 2008/09:

Total of 9 Conservation Areas designated in borough

6 conservation areas with up-to-

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Work with the local heritage organisations/Parish Councils in each of the villages. Prepare, design and print a series of leaflets and trails, one for each designated conservation area.

date character appraisals completed

4 conservation areas with published management proposals.

5 Ensuring Heritage is considered in the design of new Housing Areas and Open Spaces

Advocate for the highest quality of design in future developments, and the involvement of artists/designers in planning the growth of Corby. To reflect a sense of place and local heritage in the design of new housing and open spaces

Heritage consideration in new development to include: Gateway and entrance features New Road and place names Design features in parks Fencing and barrier design Public art works Signing systems Bus stops, street lighting The design and names of any public buildings such as local shops and pubs

Short, Medium and Long

CBC CatCorby Creative Corby Private Developers CABE Arts Council

On going involvement of heritage in briefs for new developments. Planning and Legal Officers to advocate and consider heritage within planning agreements with developers.

6 Heritage Exhibitions, Displays, and awareness-raising events

To utilise the research information collected for this heritage strategy To stimulate interest in the heritage of the Borough and draw in more volunteers To provide an initial projects for the new Corby Heritage Forum To ensure space for arts/heritage display area within Parkland Gateway development is available

Staff and member sessions to be held end February 2006 Further public event to launch Heritage Strategy in May/June 2006 with a selected display available Work with community and new Heritage Forum to develop project for heritage displays Apply for funding for the display Commission heritage artwork for town centre/Parkland Gateway

Short , Medium and Long

Corby Heritage Forum, Local Heritage Groups, Parish Councils, CBC

To raise awareness of heritage matters with the local population To generate excitement and enthusiasm about Corby's Heritage within the Borough. Numbers of people involved in local heritage groups and projects increased. Temporary and

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location Design display and marketing Run display for agreed period in agreed venue(s) (TBC)

permanent displays created as legacy within Corby.

7 Secure and appropriate storage and recording for archaeological records and finds

Secure better arrangements for the storage and retrieval of records and finds in the borough. Work with other borough and district councils and NCC in partnership to seek a joint storage solution in the short to long-term.

Facilitate move from current stores at Daventry to Wellingborough by end March 2006. Actively promote NCC ‘Portable Antiquities Scheme’ for individuals to find out more about their finds and ensure they are properly recorded. Continue to work with NCC and others to secure long-term arrangements for storage. Report to go to OCPC to endorse the proposal for a countywide single store at Chester Farm. Report to include financial implications (currently unknown timescale and costs at this stage)

Short, Medium and Long

NCC, other district and borough councils (especially BCW), Heritage Northampton, CBC

Individuals able to actively take part in archaeological recording. New storage arrangements in place both temporary and long-term. Corby Borough to retain title of the Borough’s archive and to ensure full access to finds and records

8 Extensive Urban Survey No official record exists covering the last century in Corby.

To acquire funding to pay for a specialist consultant to undertake the extensive urban survey. To record the 20

th and 21

st

Century Heritage of the Borough, including that associated with the steel-making period

Research specialist support available and obtain cost estimate to complete survey work. Apply for funding to carry out an extensive urban survey. Contract specialist consultant to undertake and complete survey

Medium CBC NCC Corus Specialist Consultant

An accurate record of the 20

th and 21

st

century highlighting the significance of the steel-making period to be recorded for future generations.

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work.

9 Ensuring access to Corby’s woodlands and natural heritage Joint venture boating lake developments To raise awareness and utilise the history of the Rockingham Forest as way of stimulating tourism activity

To develop projects in tandem with Parklands Gateway developments and other woodland areas to increase use of and appreciation of Corby’s natural heritage. Develop evidence of need for Parks/Woodlands Ranger in Corby,

Discuss project plans with Natural England, Explore Northamptonshire, County Council and others. In partnership carry out feasibility studies and produce plans for various projects to be developed. Develop costings and bids for external funding for projects where applicable. Develop monitoring process for recording usage of natural heritage areas.

Medium/ Long

CBC CatCorby RFT NNGT Wildlife Trust KingswoodLA Creative Corby ExploreN Private sector Police Friends of ECP

The people of Corby are able to access and feel safe to use Corby’s natural heritage assets (user and non-user surveys). Increased usage of parks and open spaces including woodlands.

10 East Carlton Park Re-development

To revitalise the Country Park and raise awareness of its history and of heritage in the Borough generally.

Carry out options appraisal for creating a trust to manage the park. Secure funding to carry out full feasibility study for revitalisation project (draft brief for this included in volume 2 of Heritage Strategy) Apply for funding for revitalisation when study completed if appropriate.

Medium/ Long

CBC Friends of ECP Private owners of East Carlton House ExploreN Corus Corby Heritage Forum

New plan for redevelopment of Park developed Improved visitor destination for people from within and out of the borough.

11 New Museum/Heritage Centre Feasibility

To continue to develop a long term vision for a new museum or heritage centre for the Borough

Discuss potential brief, location, scale and management and business plan

Long Corby Heritage Development Group CBC NCC

Feasibility study is let (if appropriate) by say 2010

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Sources and Acknowledgements The Heritage Strategy has involved undertaking an audit of the significant sites of natural and historic importance within the Borough, and a review of the existing documentation. A search of the Sites and Monuments Record at Northampton, the National Sites and Monuments Record at Swindon, the Northamptonshire Record Office at Northampton and the Corby Borough Library was conducted. Information has also come from The Wildlife Trusts, English Nature and The Rockingham Forest Trust. Consideration was given to the 2004 report by John Shepherd into the Options of Archaeological Collections (Archives) in Northamptonshire and to the Report by Local Alchemy into the Kingswood Estate “Developing Kingswoodium”. Reference has been made to “The Historic Landscape of Rockingham Forest” by Glenn Foard, David Hall and Tracey Britnell. Interviews and consultations were conducted with a number of local stakeholders and interested parties, in particular Dr Peter Hill, local historian and lecturer at Nottingham University who has been an invaluable source of information and documentation. His books on Rockingham Forest and the Folklore of Northamptonshire, and his collection of historic maps were consulted. Gratitude is also extended to Myk Flitcroft, Graham Cadman, Christine Addison and Alison Smith at Heritage Northampton for their assistance in collecting information and giving their enthusiastic support to the project. There is a substantial historic photographic record of Corby that has been compiled and published in a selection of books by Ron Sismey, Peter Hill, Dennis Taylor and Steve Purcell which have proved enlightening and helpful in establishing the colourful history of Corby. In addition over 1000 aerial photographs of the area are held at the National Si tes and Monuments Record which have not been viewed as part of this audit, but are referenced in works such as The Rockingham Forest Project. Discussions have been held with Catalyst Corby, Groundwork North Northamptonshire, Corus, EMMLAC, the Museums Council, Northamptonshire County Council, Explore Northamptonshire, Kettering Borough Council Museum and Arts Service, the County Libraries and the Heritage Lottery Fund about the strategy in general. Ian Parkin, a heritage consultant commissioned in August 2005 to undertake an assessment and options appraisal for the archaeological collections (archive) in Northampton was also consulted. The Council is grateful to all those who have given their time and input towards this project.

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Bibliography English Nature. Landscape and Wildlife data. WWW. Foard, G., Hall, D. & Britnell, 2004. T. The Historic Landscape of Rockingham Forest. Northamptonshire County Council. Hill, P. 1995. Rockingham Forest Then and Now. Orman Publishing. Hill, P. 1996. Corby The Archive Photographs Series. Chalford Publishing. Hill, P. 1996. Corby At War. Orman Publishing. Hil, P. 1998. Rockingham Forest Revisited. Orman Publishing. Hill,P. 1998. Corby: The Second Selection: The Archive Photographs Series. Tempus Publishing Hill, P. Sismey, R., Taylor, D. 1995. Corby at War .Orman Publishing. Hill, P. 2004. Corby: Living Memories. Francis Frith Collection Hill, P. 2005. Rockingham Forest. Tempus Publishing. Hill, P. 2005. Folklore of Northamptonshire. Tempus Scopes, F. 1968. The Development Of Corby Works Mawdsley,W. 1981. Corby’s Elizabethan Charter Alexander, A. 1969 The Foundation of a Steel Town Local Alchemy. 2004. Developing Kingswoodium. Report for Corby Borough Council. Northamptonshire County Council. 2005. Landscape Characterisation Study. Northants Wildlife Trust. Data sets on Wildlife Sites. Pipe, M. & Butler, M. 1999. Walks in Mysterious Northamptonshire. Sigma. Purcell, S. 2002. Corby Iron & Steel Works. Tempus. Royal Commission on Historical Monuments. 1979. Archaeological Sites in Central Northamptonshire. Volume II. H.M.S.O. Shepherd, J. 2004. Options of Archaeological Collections in Northamptonshire. Report for Northamptonshire County Council. Sismey, R. 1993. Corby A Pictorial History. Philimore. Stewarts and Lloyds Limited. 1903-1953. 1953. Publicity and Publications Department, Stewarts and Lloyds. Tonks, E. The Ironstone Quarries of the Midlands. History Operations and Railways. Part 6. The Corby Area. Waterfield, A. Sherratt, R. Corby Pole Fair 1982. Souvenir Programme. Web Sites www.northamptonshire.co.uk www.northamptonshire.co.uk/events/pole-fair www.rockingham-forest-trust.org.uk www.grettonvillage.org.uk www.cottinghamnews.co.uk www.weldon.net/#Refresh

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