Page 10 - Oundle Life August 2021

AN
ENGLISH
VILLAGE
Oundle Historical Society
There are many interesting villages around Oundle, but which one contains the site of a very important Roman Villa together with a Manor House from the time
of Cromwell, and the remains of an early Chantry College?
The answer is Cotterstock – just a pleasant walk from Oundle.
If you walk there along the
North side of the river you
will walk through the village
to the Bridge and the return to
Oundle on the South bank. On the way through the village you will pass the Hall with its avenue of trees running down to the river. The Hall was built around 1658 and is a fascinating contrast to Cobthorne in Oundle, built about the same time.
At the tiny green a diversion takes you down to the Church. Everyone will notice the unusually large chancel at the East end. This was the chapel of the Chantry College
founded around 1330. From
the Churchyard there is a lovely view over the river, and you can see Mill House
by the bridge – a testimony to the prosperity that came with being a miller around 1800.
You won’t have seen the site of the Villa as it lies towards Glapthorn, but there is nothing to see above ground today. Yet it too is a reminder of just how important the Nene Valley has been over the years and how much DOES remain for us to enjoy today.
David Bond
10