University of Northampton set to spark discussion and knowledge-sharing with public conference on The Great Fire of Northampton

To commemorate the anniversary of a significant historical moment for its town, the University of Northampton is delighted to host a free symposium open to the public later this week.

A packed programme of cultural events and celebrations has been taking place across the county since Thursday 29 May to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton, which at the time destroyed 700 of the 850 buildings in the town centre and claimed eleven local lives.

To observe the anniversary, the University of Northampton will be hosting a symposium on Friday 4 July from 10am-4pm in Senate Building to bring together individuals from across the country with an interest in the Great Fire.

The event will be held in a hybrid format to allow individuals from across the globe to learn more about an event which shaped Northampton and its architecture.

This event will offer a valuable opportunity for networking and discussion, with contributors discussing topics including responses to the fire, as well as the emotional impact and legacy of such a monumental moment in the town’s history.

Talks from local historians – including a former lecturer from the University of Northampton – will be hosted throughout the day on the following:

• Pre-fire Streetscapes of Northampton with reference to the survey of the St Andrew’s Estate by Pierce – Bill Franklin
• From the Drapery to the Peacock, from Corn Row to the Bell : exploring the pre-1675 Marketplace  – Steve Holder
• Housing in Northampton before the Fire – Deborah Hayter
• The Course of the Fire – Tom Welsh
• The results of the Museum of London Archaeology survey of the St Mary’s Court House – Mark Holmes
• Reconstructing the lost Church of All Saints – Steve Holder

Members of the public are warmly invited to attend the symposium free of charge, however booking prior to the event is required. Book your place today by submitting a registration form online.

The Great Fire of Northampton Symposium is the University of Northampton’s representation in the five-month programme of activities to showcase the story of the fire and the rebuild that followed, alongside partners Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID).

Find out more about the programme of activities taking place across the county to mark the Great Fire of Northampton via the Discover Northampton website.