Discover Wappenham

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Wappenham, the village’s history and countryside can offer two different starting points for planning. Its architectural history spans several centuries, while its waterways, footpaths and traces of the former railway offer a different perspective.

Historic Buildings and Village History

St Mary’s Church contains fabric dating from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. The chancel was partially rebuilt in 1833. The church has an octagonal font that probably dates from the 17th century.

Historic buildings include The Manor, a Grade II* listed building in Wappenham. Wappenham House, now often called The Manor, was built by Theophilus Hart between 1670 and 1686. The Old Rectory was built in 1833 by George Gilbert Scott for his father—the same year that the chancel of St Mary’s Church was partially rebuilt.

At The Beeches, the open staircase is characterised by winding flights and turned balusters; 8, High Street has an open staircase with stick balusters, carved tread ends and a rising handrail. Balusters are the individual supports in a staircase balustrade. The historic settlement remains suggest that the village shrank and that there may have been a manor house surrounded by a moat. The examples complement each other: the staircases highlight specific architectural features, while the settlement remains point to the possible development of the village.

Waterways, Paths and Countryside

A tributary of the River Tove rises south of Wappenham, flows into Silver Lake and then runs along the eastern edge of the village. Silver Lake was created on the edge of Wappenham in 1986–1987. The lake is associated with fishing, although access is currently restricted. Eye Spring, at the western end of Silver Lake, was historically known as a chalybeate (iron-rich) healing spring and place of pilgrimage.

Old footpaths cross Wappenham’s farmland, connecting the village and church with neighbouring settlements. Two footpaths branch off from Pittams Lane, with views across the countryside. A 5.5-mile walk starts at a car park at the end of Brookside in Wappenham. Take the route length into account when planning your walk, and check the car park and path conditions locally.

The route of the former Wappenham railway can still be traced. The platform at Wappenham Station remains beneath the field shelter at Holly Blue.

Breakfast Church Schedule

Breakfast Church takes place in Wappenham monthly, on the second Sunday at 9 am. Check the current date before making plans, as the schedule may change.

Discover more destinations: Desborough, Wellingborough, Flore, Harpole, Long Buckby, Woodford, Harringworth, Deanshanger.

For the broader travel overview: Northamptonshire.