Chester Farm
Chester Farm
Chester Farm is an archaeologically and historically important site covering 34 hectares, which includes a large area designated as a Scheduled Monument and a complex of Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings.
The site is not currently open to the public so please do not visit unless by appointment.
The site has evidence of human activity for 10,000 years and has been home to different communities spanning some 2,000 years. Evidence of occupation and activity on site include:
- Mesolithic flint evidencing activity by hunter-gathers
- Iron Age farms
- Roman walled town, including roads, temples and both domestic and other buildings
- A deserted medieval village known as Chester–by–the-Water including the associated open field system
- Post medieval farm complex with a range of buildings dating from the 16th/17th century through to the 20th century
- Tramway used for ironstone extraction in the late 19th and early 20th century
Our vision and aims
Our vision is to make Chester Farm somewhere that people want to come; a place that, through education, learning and enjoyment, adds value to their lives, and helps them to appreciate Northamptonshire’s outstanding heritage.
Our aims for Chester Farm are:
- To develop plans for the long-term preservation of the site’s outstanding historic environment and its archaeological assets
- To open up the site as a learning and educational resource, and to have long-term plans for the development of this resource
- To ensure that the site is managed well, in a way that actively conserves the asset, provides a community offer and yields a return on the authority’s investment
Heritage Hawk Walk
Join our hosts, Raphael Historic Falconry, at one of our Heritage Hawk Walk events to have the opportunity to fly a hawk across Chester Farm. You will also enjoy tales from the long history of hawking and discover the heritage under your feet.
The future of Chester Farm
The Chester Farm project will open up the whole site to the public. The intention is to develop it as somewhere you can learn more about this county’s fascinating history and heritage, with opportunities to join in educational or volunteering activities.
The development of the site will include:
- An Archaeological Resource Centre, bringing together all the archaeological artefacts owned by the county, district and borough councils together in one place for the first time. This will open up opportunities for research and greater understanding of the county's heritage
- A dedicated classroom facility for up to 70 learners
- Opening the whole site as a valuable green space with site wide interpretation which will include traditional information panels and the use of new technology through augmented reality
- A programme of events and activities to help bring the many stories of Chester Farm to life
- Conference and exhibition space in the historical and beautiful threshing barn
- Office space for like-minded organisations to secure the future of the site by developing an income
If you are interested in Chester Farm, including future events and activities, you can receive updates and news via the Chester Farm Facebook page.