SNN103938 - A History of Kettering

Kettering evolved from rural origins as one of the manors of the great Abbey of Peterborough. It grew into a market town and, on a main route from London to the Midlands, drew extra trade from serving wayfarers. After the Reformation, which severed its long ties with Peterborough, Kettering became a notable centre of Puritanism and from the time of Charles II was one of those Midland towns where non-conformity survived, and then came to flourish. The rivalries of Church and Dissent played a major role in its 19th century life. An early centre of Industrialisation Kettering was first noted for its woolcombing and worsted-weaving and then, as they declined, struggled along with silk production. But the industry for it became best known was the manufacture of boots and shoes; and from the mid-19th century until the Great War this generated rapid urban growth, still reflected in the appearance of the town.