UNITED KINGDOM - Desborough

Desborough has an archaeological history back to the Iron Age, and referring to the Domesday Book of 1086 the name meant ‘place of judgement’, which shows the importance of the town at that time. St Giles Church, built in 1223, is the oldest remaining building. Between the 17^th and mid-19^th centuries, it was the centre of spinning and weaving of woollen and linen fabrics. When these industries disappeared, they introduced the weaving of silk.

Next, the shoe industry replaced the silk weaving. The shoe industry could last until the 1980's, but they could not compete with the import of cheap shoes from abroad. Only one factory could survive: Joseph Cheaney by producing a high quality shoe.

Desborough is expanding fast with a present population of around 8,500 people and the completion of a large new housing area on the East side of the town. Many people work in the surrounding larger towns. The location in the centre of England, with excellent road connections to all major airports, is crucial for Desborough. Overseas visitors like to come to Desborough, with the long history and the good rail and road infrastructure at only one hour from London. In addition, you can reach Cambridge, Birmingham, Leicester, Stratford-upon-Avon, and many other interesting places within an hour.

Desborough has its own Town Council, but is part of the larger Kettering Borough Council, which is a large town approximately 6 miles from Desborough. Desborough’s participation in the Charter of European Rural Communities is now run through the Desborough & District Twinning Association.