By Tim Lambert
Early Wellingborough
Wellingborough began as an Anglo-Saxon settlement. It was once called Waendel’s burh, which means Waendel’s fortified settlement. At the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, Wellingborough probably had a population of about 250. By the standards of the time, it was a large village. (A typical village would be half that size).
All Hallows Church was built about 1160. In 1201, King John granted Wellingborough a charter, allowing it to hold markets. Afterwards, it grew into a busy little market town.
Wellingborough School was founded in 1595. In the 17th century, Wellingborough became famous for its wells. People believed the water was good for their health. King Charles I and Queen Henrietta visited the town.
However, Wellingborough suffered a devastating fire in 1738. Yet the town was rebuilt. By 1801, it had a population of over 3,000.
Modern Wellingborough
During the 19th century, Wellingborough grew rapidly. In 1851, it was over 5,000. By 1901, its population was about 18,000. Amenities in the town improved. In 1833, Wellingborough gained gas light. The railway reached Wellingborough in 1857. The Church of St Mary the Virgin opened in 1908. The first library in Wellingborough opened in 1909. The first cinema opened in 1910. Swanspool Gardens opened in 1919. A concrete bridge was built over the River Nene in 1934.
Wellinborough was bombed by the Germans on 3 August 1942. Six people were killed, and 55 were injured.
Weavers Leisure Centre was built in 1972. In 1973, a new library was built in Wellingborough. The Swansgate Centre was built in 1977. The Castle Theatre opened in 1995. A new museum opened in 2007.
Today, Wellingborough is a flourishing town with a population of about 56,000.