Kettering

Kettering is a market town in Northamptonshire, England, located in the East Midlands. It lies to the north-east of Northampton and is the administrative centre of the Borough of Kettering. The town has grown from its medieval market town origins into a residential and commercial hub serving a wider area.

Historically, Kettering developed around a medieval market and received a market charter in the 13th century, establishing it as a local trading centre. The town expanded considerably in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century spurred further industrial and residential growth, helping to shape its modern layout and economy.

Today, Kettering retains a market-focused town centre with shops and services around Market Place. Notable buildings include Kettering Town Hall and the Kettering Museum and Art Gallery, housed in the site of the former town gaol, which preserves local history and hosts rotating exhibitions. The town also features parks, churches, libraries, and other community facilities that support residents and visitors.

Transport links connect Kettering regionally and nationally. Kettering railway station, on the Midland Main Line, provides direct services to London St Pancras and to destinations across the Midlands and north. Road access is served by the A14 and A43, with convenient links toward the M1 corridor. Local bus networks connect Kettering with surrounding towns and villages.

Education and services include several primary and secondary schools and a public library. Kettering General Hospital serves the town and surrounding area. Higher education opportunities are accessible in nearby Northampton and other parts of the region, with the University of Northampton operating campuses in the area.