St Andrews Road,
Northampton
NN1 2RW
West Northamptonshire Council and Fermynwoods Contemporary Art are proud to announce the completion of the landmark mural on St Andrews Road, Northampton, designed and painted by multidisciplinary artists Bridie Cheeseman and Jake Williams, collectively known as Studio Studio.
Situated on a key commuter route beside the new Castle Park heritage redevelopment and green space, the mural commemorates the remarkable history of the former Northampton Castle and key events that have shaped the town’s identity. Featuring historic figures and narratives – from the trial of Thomas Becket, to King John’s Parliament, to the brickwork that continues to define Northampton’s architecture – the artwork transforms a prominent commuter route into a striking celebration of the town’s rich past and vibrant future.
Key to Mural
- Around 1066, Waltheof, Earl of Northampton, ordered by William the Conqueror, constructed a castle at Northampton – likely a wood and earth motte-and-bailey structure.
- In 1072, following Waltheof’s execution, Simon de Senlis became Earl of Northampton and rebuilt the castle in stone, establishing its medieval form.
- In 1131, at Northampton Castle, King Henry I gathered his barons to swear loyalty to his daughter Matilda as his heir. After Henry’s death in 1135, the barons broke this oath, leading to The Anarchy.
- In 1164, Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was tried at Northampton Castle. As he escaped disguised as a monk, he discovered the unattended castle keys on his way out, which allowed his fight from the grounds.
- In 1174, during the Revolt of 1173 – 74, William the Lion, King of Scotland, was captured and imprisoned at Northampton Castle. The castle was a key centre of royal power, where monarchs such as King John frequently held court.
- Around 1200 – 1216, King John visited Northampton Castle approximately 30 times, making it one of his favourite royal residences. He relocated the Royal Treasury from London to the castle around 1205.
- In 1205, Peter the Saracen, a maker of crossbows of likely North African origin, was employed by King John at Northampton Castle – one of the earliest recorded non-European residents of the town.
- In 1215, during the First Barons’ War, rebel barons laid siege to Northampton Castle but failed to capture it due to insufficient siege engines.
- A portrait of Northampton Castle from the medieval period with inset Northampton heraldry and a portrait of the surviving Postern Gate.
- In 1264, during the Second Barons’ War, the Battle of Northampton saw King Henry Ill’s Royalist forces, using early cannon fire, capture Northampton Castle from the rebels led by Simon de Montfort the Younger.
- During the Wars of the Roses, King Henry VI’s supporters used Northampton Castle as a strategic stronghold. The nearby Battle of Northampton in 1460 saw the Yorkists defeat the Lancastrians, capturing King Henry VI – shown here defeated.
- By the 1500s – 1600s, Northampton Castle served as the County Gaol (prison). It features in Shakespeare’s play King John, first published in 1623. In the play, King Johns nephew tries to escape from imprisonment at Northampton Castle by climbing down the castle walls; he tragically falls to his death.
- In the 1600s, Northampton Castle was linked to local witch trials, as accused individuals were imprisoned and tried at the castle’s gaol. The nearby River Nene was used to ‘test’ accused witches during this period.
- Inset – Parliamentarian Roundhead with pike. During the English Civil War 1642 – 1651, Northampton Castle was re-fortified by Parliamentarian Roundhead forces. After the execution of Charles I in 1649, his son Charles I ordered the castle’s destruction – slighting to prevent its future military use.
- In the 1700s – 1800s, the remaining castle lands were leased for farming, including gooseberry and cherry orchards, as the site shifted from military to agricultural use.
- During the Victorian era, late 1800s, the castle ruins were rediscovered, and much of the stone dismantled and sold off to make way for the railway station, marking the end of the castle’s physical presence.
Studio Studio worked closely with local communities, historians, and young people from Spring Lane Primary School, The CE Academy, and The Creative Place, Northampton, developing ideas, figures, and compositional elements that directly reflect the town’s history and the perspectives of its residents.
The ambitious scale project was supported by BA Fine Art students from the University of Northampton, as well as Northampton-based illustrator Charlotte Lilly George, who assisted for ten days on site and has been immortalised within the mural. Charlotte contributed her own panel design, now permanently part of the composition.
The project was made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England and West Northamptonshire Council, with further support from local family-run business Abington Decorating Supplies and national paint supplier Caparol UK.
Post-installation, GB Facilities Services applied professional anti-graffiti protection to safeguard the artwork. As they noted:
“We’re proud to have been awarded the contract to apply professional anti-graffiti protection to the stunning new mural on St Andrew’s Road, celebrating the history of Northampton Castle. To ensure it remains protected from graffiti and environmental damage, we’re applying SLX100 breathable surface protection. This specialist treatment ensures the mural remains vibrant and resilient for years to come, safeguarding a new cultural landmark for Northampton.”
James Steventon, Director of Fermynwoods Contemporary Art, added:
“We are delighted to see Studio Studio’s vision brought to life with such thought and care. The collaboration with schools, historians, local illustrators and university students has ensured that this mural truly belongs to the people of Northampton.”
Cllr James Petter, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council said:
“This mural is a powerful tribute to Northampton’s extraordinary past and a testament to the creativity and collaboration within our community. It not only enhances the visual landscape of Castle Park but also connects residents and visitors alike to the stories that shaped our town. We’re proud to support projects like this that bring history to life and inspire civic pride.”
Video: Arran Day – Filming Northampton.
Images: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, Elizabeth Blackie. 3&6 Arrun Day – Filming Northampton.