Northampton began as an Anglo- Saxon village called Hamm Tun, this then changed to North Hamm Tun and eventually into what we now know it as.
The county is famous for its shoe making industry and its rugby players but there is more to this landlocked county than what first appears.
Whether you have lived here for a week or your whole life the following facts might show you some of the unusual things about the place more than 700,000 people call home.
Below are 15 unusual facts about Northamptonshire.
9. Wellingborough used to be home to a penguins
Wellingborough Zoo Park was opened in 1943 becoming home to and was opened in and included animals such as lions, a giant tortoise, bears and penguins. The zoo closed in 1970 but at Croyland Gardens there are now statues created by Moulton College as a reminder of the animals that used to live there. Photo: UGC
10. Northampton Castle was one of the most famous in England
Although all that remains today is the Postern Gate, the castle was one of the most famous at its prime. It was destroyed to build the railway but the Gate was rebuilt from stone of the castle. Photo: UGC
11. Wellingborough became the home of evacuees in the second World War
Wellingborough became the new home of those moved to safety during World War Two. Although Wellingborough also had a bomb dropped during the war August 3 1942, which killed six people and injured over 50. Photo: Google
12. Britain’s first ever car chase took place in Northampton
Frederick John Phillips pretended to be part of the visiting circus in 1899 and went around collecting a small fee for advertising the Barnum and Bailey Circus from different shop owners with the promise of free tickets. He then attempted to flee with the money but had been tipped off to Sergeant Hector Macleod by the shopkeepers. Photo: UGC