The work to make the River Nene navigable was hugely important to Northamptonshire’s industries, such as shoe making, as it opened up a trading route linking Northampton with Peterborough and The Wash. People could send their goods and wares further to be sold, and they could bring in coal, timber and other items that were not available locally.
Photo courtesy of Irthlingborough Local Historical Society
As industry changed the river slowly stopped being used for transporting goods and materials. However, even though it is no longer used as a trading route the River Nene is still an important asset for local wildlife and leisure activities, and boats can often be seen navigating the lock here at Irthlingborough in the summer.
Habitats and Species
In summer, this stretch of the river is an ideal place to watch for bats, as they hunt for insects over the water. Otter’s have also been sighted on this stretch of the river, as well as beautiful banded demoiselles and perfumed meadowsweet.
The patched of nettles that grow alongside the river are ideal for several species of butterfly, such as peacock and red admirals, which lay their eggs on the nettle leaves.
From this point you can also see one of the more vegetated lakes which is a favourite haunt of pochard and tufted duck.
Memories
I remember… spending every day down by the river during the school holidays. Our mums used to send us there so we would get out of their way.”
-Rushden Cordwainers Group
I remember… going to the treacle mines (a place – they don’t remember why they used to call it that) down by the river where we used to bring picnics of bread and jam, cold tea and a bottle of water.”
-Rushden Cordwainers Group
“I was born in Irthlingborough and I remember… pond dipping with a net, catching tadpoles and sticklebacks, putting them in jam jars and taking them home.”
-Joyce Underwood
“I remember… using the river bank at ‘Ankle Bay’ as a beach, learning to ‘swim’, paddling and splashing around – mums would come down and bring jam sandwiches. The water was really clear because of the gravel so the children didn’t get dirty either. Lots of the children had knitted swimming costumes which would get very heavy and saggy when wet. The river was our seaside.”
-Stanwick Chatterbox Group
I learnt to swim in the River Nene with 10 brothers and sisters. We couldn’t afford lessons so our older brothers taught us.”
-Mrs. Robinson, Little Addington
“I recall ‘Ankle Bay’ in the Stanwick mill stream. Many happy hours spent there and keeping clean, not realising we had the sand and gravel under our feet.”
-Stanwick Chatterbox Group
I remember… swimming in the river. We used to go down about 9 o’clock at night when it was very hot.”
-Mrs. Robinson, Little Addington