| Broughton | |
|
Broughton
Broughton shown within Northamptonshire |
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| Population | 2,047 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | SP8375 |
| District | Kettering (borough) |
| Shire county | Northamptonshire |
| Region | East Midlands |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Kettering |
| Postcode district | NN14 |
| Dialling code | 01536 |
| Police | Northamptonshire |
| Fire | Northamptonshire |
| Ambulance | East Midlands |
| EU Parliament | East Midlands |
| UK Parliament | Kettering |
| List of places: UK • England • Northamptonshire | |
Broughton is a large village and civil parish in the borough of Kettering, in Northamptonshire, England. Its population in 2001 was 2,047 people.[1] The village is located around 2 miles (3 km) south-west of Kettering, next to the A43 road (it was bypassed in 1984).
Broughton has a long history, being referred to as "Burtone" in the Domesday Book. The church (St. Andrew), which is mostly early 14th century, incorporates part of a (12th century) Norman aisleless church at the south-west angle, including the south doorway with colonettes, scallop capitals and zigzags. The village has some notable Jacobean houses[2]
Further adding to its cosmopolitan image is its links to the former X factor superstar who owns a property in the village. It is thought that in Broughton the phrase "chico time" was invented.
An ancient ritual, which still exists in the village, is that of the "Tin Can Band". It is held annually in mid-December, when, at midnight, a group of people walk around the village making as much noise as possible by banging on tin-cans (anything from cans to pots and pans and metal dustbins),[3] either to scare away evil spirits just before Christmas, or (less charitably) to drive out gypsies. Nowadays it's quite good-natured, but in the past there have been riotous scenes, especially in years when the authorities tried to prevent it happening.[4]
Broughton currently has one pubs, The Red Lion, it used to also have The Sun but was closed down, a protest to keep the pub running was fought for via driving a tank to the Kettering council but no appeal has been won. It also has three shops, and used to have a post office, which is now part of one of the shops (Note: the old post office is still up for rent) . Many years ago, its had a cinema, two bakers and a butcher.