Holcot: A Brief History and Introduction
Our village sits at the crossroads of the Brixworth to Sywell roads and the old Northampton to Kettering road. The present A43 linking Northampton to Kettering is relatively recent and the roads or tracks through Holcot would have been important lines of communication. The growth of a village at the crossing of these roads was a natural development from which a thriving rural community became established.

It seems probable that the first Church in Holcot was endowed early in the 12th century by King David of Scotland who held a manor in Holcot in right of his wife Matilda, widow of Simon de Senlis, Earl of Northampton and Huntingdon. Building of the present Church, dedicated to St. Mary and All Saints, began in the early 13th century but there is evidence in the structure that materials from a previous building were re-used. The nave and chancel were rebuilt early in the 14th century and the tower was rebuilt later in the same century. It was around this time that the interior of the Church was decorated with a glorious array of wall paintings. Sadly, these are now badly faded for the most part although a restoration in the Baptistry shows the original effect. The clerestory and south porch were added in the 15th century. This basically completed the Church as it now stands although future generations made minor modifications and improvements. A very comprehensive Church history, written by Holcot resident Derek Charman, is available in the Church.

The increasing prosperity of Church and Village went hand in hand and Holcot remained a strong rural community until well into the 20th century. Whilst still retaining a rural spirit, and surrounded by rich agricultural land, the village is also a home base for people working in the surrounding towns.

Many fine old buildings in the local stone and thatch still remain and a walk around the village will reward the visitor with views of the way the village would have appeared in the 17th century. Earlier buildings of a very simple structure have mainly disappeared but the road layout remains.

Holcot has made little impact on the history of the country and lays very few claims to fame. Therein lies its attraction – a typical English village showing all its developments and changes through the centuries.

We are an active community as this website will show. Residents of Holcot are very proud of their village and we trust that visitors will share our pride and enjoy Holcot and all its facilities.