Kettering can trace its origins back to an early Roman British settlement. By the 17th century the town was a centre for the production of woollen cloth but the present town mostly grew up in the 19th century with the development of the boot and shoe industry and the coming of the railway.
Today the town benefits from its position on the busy A14.
It was once an important centre for non-conformism and William Carey founded the Baptist Missionary Society here in 1792.
The town's Heritage Quarter in Sheep Street houses the Manor House Museum and the Alfred East Gallery. The gallery, built in 1913, is the largest in Northamptonshire and commemorates one of Kettering's most famous residents, the painter Sir Alfred East RA. Today the gallery holds one of the world's largest collections of his paintings, as well as works by many other artists.

Historic Houses
Boughton House, Kettering NN14 1BJ
Ralph Montagu left intact the Tudor house with its seven courtyards, adding to the north of the house in the French style - the house was known as the 'English Versailles'. Garden that retain its late 17th century formality. Boughton House information
Kelmarsh Hall Kelmarsh, Kettering NN6 9LY
An 18th century house, surrounded by gardens and parkland, part of a working estate. Kelmarsh Hall information
Triangular Lodge Rushton, Kettering NN14 1RP
One mile west of Rushton, near Desborough, north of Kettering. Dating from 1597, this strange building was designed by Sir Thomas Tresham, described as 'the purest folly in the country', the lodge was built on three levels, with three walls, three window Triangular Lodge information

Museums
Kettering Museum and Art Gallery Sheep Street, Kettering NN16 0AN
The museum also contains the Alfred East Art Gallery. Local history exhibits and temporary exhibitions. Shop. Kettering Museum and Art Gallery information
Naseby Battle and Farm Museum Purlieu Farm, Naseby, Kettering NN6 7DD
West on A14, the site of a crucial Civil War battle in 1645. Cromwell's New Model Army carried out a counter-attack that crushed the main Royalist army. Model of the battle with commentary. Naseby Battle and Farm Museum information

Out & About
Wicksteed Park Barton Road, Kettering NN15 6NJ
Established by Edward Wicksteed in 1916, Wicksteed Park one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. The company Charles Wicksteed built up still makes playground equipment in Kettering today. One of the first attractions was boating, introduced in Wicksteed Park information
Kinewell Lake Ringstead, Kettering
A605 at Ringstead, beside the River Nene, this nature reserve has been established around former gravel-pit lakes. Walk around the lake, picnic benches, car park. Kinewell Lake information
Geddington, Kettering
Between Kettering and Corby, in 1290 this village was one of the resting places of Queen Eleanor's funeral cortege as it went from Harby (Lincolnshire) to Westminster Abbey. Her husband Edward I ordered the construction of a cross at each of the 12 stopp Geddington information
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Kettering Parkway Kettering NN15 6XT MAP
Situated just off the A14, this luxury 4-star hotel offers an AA rosette-awarded restaurant, a pool and a gym. Kettering rail station is within easy reach.
Kettering Park has an impressive spa featuring a sauna, a large whirlpool and a steam room. There ...
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Market Place Kettering NN16 0AJ MAP
In the heart of Kettering town centre’s conservation area, this former coaching inn from the 17th century offers good-value comfort and style in a convenient location.
Whether you are visiting local attractions, wanting to shop in the nearby pedestrian...
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111 High Street Kettering NN14 2ND MAP
The Oak Tree has en suite rooms, good home-cooked food and links to the A14, M1 and M6. It is within easy reach of Rockingham Speedway.
The Grade II listed building is walking distance of local amenities. Desborough has a leisure centre, shops and a smal...
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Rothwell Road Kettering NN16 8XF MAP
At Premier Inn Kettering food and drink is available at the Telford Lodge and Brewers Fayre...
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Rockingham Road Kettering NN14 1QF MAP
Holiday Inn Express Kettering offers good-value, contemporary accommodation and free Wi-Fi internet access. There is good access to the A14 and Kettering Rail Station is a short drive away.
All of the modern, spacious rooms have a flat-screen Freeview TV...
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29 High Street Titchmarsh, Thrapston near Kettering NN14 3DF MAP
The Horseshoes is situated in the picturesque village of Titchmarsh. It is run by the Wells family and has an excellent reputation, Our Accommodation has been awarded 3 Diamonds by the A A Hotel Services.The accommodation is in a old converted.. ...
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Desborough Road Rushton near Kettering NN14 1RP MAP
Elegant country house hotel set in its own parkland. Luxurious, individually designed en-suite bedrooms with plasma tvs and broadband. Exquiste state rooms available for private dining, conferences and special events. Enjoy high tea.. ...
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Bridge Street Kettering NN14 6JW MAP
In the heart of quaint and historic Rothwell, this comfortable and friendly hotel offers home-cooked Italian food, tasteful rooms with free broadband and good service.
Rothwell House Hotel is convenient for the A14 and Kettering. It is now under new mana...
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37 Polopit Titchmarsh Kettering NN143DL
Tel: 01832 733030 Email: PARK.A1@SKY.COM Offering a holiday home and self catering accommodation in rural Northamptonshire near Oundle. ...
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