Dark Attractions in Northamptonshire
Welcome to our blog exploring the world of dark tourism! The term ‘dark tourism’ refers to visiting locations that are associated with death, tragedy, or the darker side of history, offering a chance to respectfully reflect on past events and human experiences. These attractions offer a glimpse into the darker aspects of our past. Join us as we explore the fascinating sites we have here in Northamptonshire and uncover the thrilling tales that make them so captivating…
Blisworth Tunnel
Blisworth Tunnel faced tremendous challenges during its construction that began in 1793. With no advanced machinery, labourers, known as ‘navvies’, painstakingly dug the 3km tunnel by hand using basic tools like picks and shovels. Tragically, the project was riddled with mistakes, leading to a catastrophic collapse claiming the lives of 14 men. The ambitious vision of the tunnel eventually came to life in March 1805, making it the longest tunnel on the Grand Union Canal.
Today, visitors can explore the rich history of Blisworth Tunnel and the Grand Union Canal at the Canal Museum in Stoke Bruerne. The museum features three floors of engaging exhibits that bring to life the experiences of those who worked and lived along Britain's canals. Amongst the fascinating displays, you can find the above picture of a brush boat getting ready to go through the tunnel – these would have been used to sweep away soot, cobwebs and dirt from the roof of the tunnel. They were also known to use tree branches to help clean it!
Raunds Church
In this seemingly innocuous church in the small town of Raunds, lies some of the best-preserved medieval wall paintings in England. These painted walls date from the 15th century, and are a result of the Black Death, the devastating plague in 1348AD that decimated not just England, but the entirety of Europe’s population.
Whilst these paintings were created 50 years later than the Black Death’s first appearance, they are representative of the crippling fear of death and mortality that the plague evoked, which lingered in English society for over a century afterwards. The wall paintings in The Church of St. Peter are prime examples of this fear of mortality.
One example on the walls of the church, just as you walk in, is the story of The Three Living and the Three Dead. This tells the tale of three different men confronted with death. Despite the men looking sufficiently well-dressed enough to be kings, with the remnants of a crown able to be seen on the middle man, the depiction of their skeletal remains next to them highlights the view that Death is a menacing spectre, snatching them away from the innocent joy of life. The moral the painting depicts is that mortality is inevitable - regardless of gender, status, age or attitude. It’s a haunting depiction, one that is lost in most English churches, and highlights the impact and severity of the Black Death, not just on population numbers, but in society’s attitude towards death itself.
Today, Raunds’ paintings are a relic of a forgotten, tragic era in Northamptonshire’s history. The paintings are open for anyone to view, but an appointment must be made. To visit please contact Mike Turner on 01933 623289. Please be aware when visiting that thus is still a working church and has services every Sunday.
Image attribution: Raunds, St. Mary's Church: Celebrated medieval wall painting of 'The Three Dead' 1 by Michael Garlick.
Delapré Abbey
Delapré Abbey, formerly a Cluniac nunnery dating back to 1145, offers a unique experience for fans of the unusual. Once a site of significant events like the Black Death, excommunications, and the Battle of Northampton, the abbey now features tours that explore the lives of the nuns who lived there until its dissolution in 1538 amongst many other fantastic events. The grounds blend the haunting history of the battlefield with lovely gardens, attracting walkers and garden lovers year-round.
Their Unusual Happenings Tours delve into the Abbey’s paranormal past, with tales of nuns, objects moving mysteriously, and ghostly sightings. The tours offer a perfect blend of history and supernatural intrigue for those visiting during the Halloween season. Delapré Abbey is a compelling destination for those interested in both history and the unusual.
Rothwell Bone Crypt
In a small village in the north of Northamptonshire, lies one of the most important underground sites in England. Lying below the Holy Trinity Church is one of only two ossuaries in the country open to the public. Dating from the 13th century, Rothwell Bone Crypt is a fascinating and macabre place to visit.
Previously sealed away and unknown about until the 1700s, the ossuary was uncovered when a gravedigger fell through and landed upon the remains of 2,500 individuals – an undoubtably traumatic experience, and from which it is said the man never recovered.
There were many theories on who the bones could belong to- from medieval Danes living in Danelaw Rothwell, to battlefield victims of either Bosworth (1485) or Naseby (1645), and even victims of plague which ravaged the country throughout the medieval period. However, osteoarchaeology dates the majority of the bones to the 13th, 14th, and early 15th century. This eradicates the theory of the bones corresponding to either the Bosworth or Naseby battles, as well as the remains being that of Danes. As well as this, plague victims are unlikely too, as whilst the dating is correct, the bodies of plague victims remain highly contagious after death – placing hundreds of them underneath a church which was one of the most prominent places for medieval society to congregate would not have been a viable option.
Whilst the exact reasoning for the crypt is still unknown, it remains an incredible experience to visit, and is one of the most unique places in Northamptonshire. Please note that visits are by appointment only – to book, please email mccoggins@googlemail.com.
You can also learn more about Rothwell Bone Crypt, as well as other fascinating Dark Attractions, in ‘A Guide to Dark Attractions in the UK’, a book written by local author, Leon McAnally which you can order, here.It is the first dark tourism guidebook to span the whole of the UK with over 300 places!
We hope you’ve found this blog useful in beginning your delve into the wonders of Dark Tourism and Dark Attractions. If you plan on visiting any of the mentioned attractions, please plan ahead to check if booking is recommended and if photography is welcome. You may also find it useful to research your place of interest before visiting to understand the history and heritage linked to the attraction – this will further enhance your visit!
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Have a favourite spot in Northamptonshire not on our website? Email us at info@discover-northamptonshire.co.uk and let us know, or pop into the Discover Northamptonshire Hub at Rushden Lakes and talk to a member of staff. We'll do our best to contact the site and put it on our website!
