Rotary Walk

Rotary Walk

THURSDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2016

From The George Inn

Northampton Rd, Brixworth NN6 9BU

01604 881439

We will meet at the George Inn, Brixworth at 10.15 am to start the walk at 10.30am.  The distance will be just under 4 miles around Brixworth, across the fields and along part of the Brampton Valley Way.   Includes a visit to All Saints Church and some other historical feature of the village. 

Stan Evans

A Walk with Ghosts

A merry group of 10 Rotarians and friend met up at The George in Brixworth on a bright but misty morning.  After the usual formalities of our statutory Health and Safety brief and food ordering, there was some discussion regarding appropriate walking dress.  Philip had arrived, as per usual, in shorts.  Apparently he had a £1 bet with Diane that the sun would be out and shining by 10:15.  He lost and like a true gentleman paid up when Diane joined us for lunch.

Before leaving the George our attention was directed to a small window known as “Cromwell’s Eye”.  On the eve of the Battle of Nasby (1645) King Charles’ men were in Lamport and sent a messenger to warn Brixworth that Cromwell’s army was approaching.  Unfortunately, they were already there and captured the messenger and beheaded him.  It is rumored that it is his ghost that still haunt the George.  Walking through the village we were told that Brixworth did not get mains water until 1936 and that there were at least 8 Ale Houses in the village, to slate the thirst of the quarry and farm workers.  We also heard of another ghost that haunts the walk below the old Hall's lake.

At the Butter Cross, which was erected in 1268 to commemorate King Henry’s granting the village a weekly market and annual fair, our attention was also directed to a straw lion on the roof of a thatched cottage.  Residents in the early 1900's thought that the area around the Butter Cross was “The rough part of the village”, this now forms part of the conservation area.

After leaving the village we should have enjoyed some magnificent views of the rolling Northamptonshire countryside out towards Creaton, Spratton and Cottersbrook, but the mist did not allow this.  We managed to avoid a rather high and difficult style and walk down the hill to the corner of the sewage works.  A number of stops were orchestrated so that our resident photographer John could take a group of splendid photo that can be seen on our WebSite.  After passing the site of Brixworth Station we joined the Nene Valley Way and walked along it for ¾ of a mile to the site of Spratton Station.  The railway line was lost as part of the Beeching’s closures.  The final part of the walk was a bit of a slog up the gentle hill back to the village.

At lunch we were joined by additional friends including Diane Saunderson to collect her winnings.  A most enjoyable meal was had although it did take a long time coming.  Finally the Walker of the Month trophy was given to our walk leader for his historical work on this ancient and charming village.

Stan Evans 21.09.16