Past of a town

FOR many years Rushden has been overshadowed by its neighbour Higham Ferrers. The claim comes from two local historians who are aiming to put the record straight in a new book.

Ruth and David . . . setting the record straight.

Called Rushden - A Duchy of Lancaster Village, it traces the town's development from pre-historic times to the present day.

Authors David Hall and Ruth Harding have uncovered some little known facts about the area which was once owned by the monarchs of England.

Rushden was probably the only place in the country where ordinary people faced a long walk to attend courts and pay tithes because the manor house was not built in the centre but in Higham Park.

The book will be launched at Alfred Street School on Saturday, April 20, between 10am and noon and the authors will be present to sign copies.

After the launch it will go on sale in the town, priced £7.95.

Ruth said: "For a long time Rushden has lived in the shadow of Higham and many townspeople felt it had no history. We hope to prove it has its own fantastic story to tell."