Explore the deep hidden history of the building. Step back in time to hear the story and discover how heritage helped to create Northampton’s beautiful Culture Quarter through public exhibitions and immersive multimedia utilising VR technology.

The Performing Room have worked on a multimedia heritage project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to uncover and share the hidden history of the historical building, first built as Franklin’s Hotel and Restaurant in 1872 by John Campbell Franklin to capitalise on railway passengers traveling to the new St John’s Street Railway Station from the new rail route built between Bedford and Northampton. For decades, it served as the meeting point for merchants, traders and other travellers coming to Northampton.

An impressive list of artefacts dating back to when the building was first built characterises the relationship between Franklin’s hotel and the people who used to work there and visit it. A quick tour of the picture galleries, display stands, glass cabinets and slideshows include authentic old newspapers, vintage bottles, champagne corks, war memorabilia, decorative ceramic floor tiles, an original train ticket used to transport people to St John’s and more.

Other projects consist of a documentary, cartoon animations, children board games, lego reconstructions of old buildings and a digital tour with 3-D modelling.

Each offer you the chance to step back in time and experience what life would have been like for people at the time.

• Saturday 13 September: 12pm – 5pm
• Sunday 14 September: 12pm – 5pm
• Friday 19 September: 12pm – 5pm
• Saturday 20 September: 12pm – 5pm