Step Into 900 Years of History
Every September, Heritage Open Days invites people across England to explore historic buildings, hidden places, and places of interest all for free. It’s the country’s largest festival of history and culture, celebrating the landmarks, traditions, and tales that have shaped our shared heritage.
This year, we’re opening the doors of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Northampton’s medieval round church built in 1100 AD, with a programme of tours and events that uncover centuries of faith, history, and mystery.
The Theme this year is everyday histories. So we thought we would share the everyday life in a medieval church.
What’s On at the Holy Sepulchre
Saturday 12 September (10am–4pm)
Title: A Day at Church in Medieval Northampton
Step into the rhythm of daily life in medieval Northampton.
Tuesday 15 September (12pm–2pm)
Title: Lunchtime Church: A Medieval Pause in the Middle of the Day
Drop in during your lunch break and experience the church as part of everyday life.
Thursday 17 September (2pm)
Title: The Holy Sepulchre and Its History
Step inside one of Northampton’s most historic buildings with a guided tour by one of our knowledgeable volunteers.
Thursday 17 September (Evening)
Title: Torchlight Tour: The Medieval Church After Dark
Experience the church as it might have felt in a world without electric light.
By torchlight, the building changes.
Saturday 19 September (2pm–4pm)
Title: A Day at Church in Medieval Northampton
Step into the rhythm of daily life in medieval Northampton.
Saturday 19 September (Evening)
Title: Torchlight Tour: The Medieval Church After Dark
Experience the church as it might have felt in a world without electric light.
Sunday 20 September (11am–2pm)
Title: A Day at Church in Medieval Northampton
Step into the rhythm of daily life in medieval Northampton.
We’d love to welcome you through our doors this September. Whether you come by candlelight, for a quiet afternoon tour, or to celebrate Holy Cross Day, you’ll be stepping into more than 900 years of living history.
