Titchmarsh, Northamptonshire

Titchmarsh is a village and civil parish in East Northamptonshire, England. The 2001 census recorded a parish population of 543 people.

History
Titchmarsh "castle" was in fact a fortified manor house with a moat. Sir John Lovel received a licence to crenellate it in 1304 but it was in ruins by 1363.

The Church of England parish church of Saint Mary may originally have been 12th century, as a Norman doorway of that date survives in the chancel. The doorway is not in its original position but has been re-set. The north aisle and arcade are 13th century. The ornate Perpendicular Gothic bell-tower is notable. Dr. F.J. Allen, who was an authority on the notable late medieval Somerset towers, described St. Mary's tower as "the finest parish church tower in England outside Somerset". Many of St. Mary's church windows are also Perpendicular Gothic; with three, four of five lights.

As a boy the poet John Dryden lived here and probably received his first education. There is a monument to him in St. Mary's parish church.

Brookside Farmhouse was built in 1628 and enlarged in the 18th century. It is believed to be the family home of the Drydens. The Pickering almshouses were built in 1756.

Amenities
One hundred years ago the village had two public houses: the Dog and Partridge and the Wheatsheaf. The Dog and Partridge has been converted in to a residential property. A shop was officially opened on 21 September 2007 by television presenter Alan Titchmarsh. The village has a primary school. Children from the parish travel to Oundle for secondary education.