Cranberry Cottage - Tour of Higham Ferrers

	Cranberry Cottage is a friendly small fronted giftshop within the stone built abode of a property dating back many hundred years. Situated in a conservation area of historic importance, Higham Ferrers High Street prevents the bold display of signs to promote the presence of Cranberry Cottage, however as time passes more & more loyal customers kindly recommend us to relatives & friends.
	Higham Ferrers is located on main A6 trunk road in East Northamptonshire, about 2 miles North of busy Rushden (see our map for directions). Cranberry Cottage is opposite the beautiful red brick Methodist Church at the pedestrian lights on the High St.
	Higham is a magical place loved by visitors and residents. High Street & other parking is usually easy and without charge making it a popular shopping spot for visitors with so much history and many interesting small shops, including antiques & gifts why not book lunch at the Carriage House or coffee at the Griffin and treat yourself to a few hours of pampering! (Ladies can include an appointment at "The House of Beauty."
	Higham Ferrers may be a small town but it has many wonderful examples of medieval architecture together with a good assortment of individually run small shops such as "Bill & Ben" the local florist (next to Cranberry Cottage). There is an interflora florist and we are pleased to recommend them.
	Special occasions is a highly respected wedding gown specialist (opposite Cranberry Cottage) and just one of many quality local shops to visit. Recently completely redecorated with exciting new range of additions its a "must" for any bride to be!
	"Mary Robinson" is one of Northamptonshires best kept secrets. Just a couple of doors down from Cranberry Cottage, "Mary Robinson" offers high quality ladies fashions to her loyal repeat cliental. If you are in search of the best and yet to wish to shop outside of London for quality you mush pay a visit to Mary's.
	Higham boasts a wide variety of businesses from "Homemade" bread & cakes to antique vendors, from quality fashions for ladies to motorcycles and spares, from estate agents to booksellers. First time visitors are often surprised at the choice.
	Fascinating sights await the visitor to Higham Ferrers, being originally a home of Romans because of its strategic position on hillside land of the River Nene it was later fully taken advantage of by the Saxons. From homes of roman masters to home sites of web masters... the years have been kind to Higham Ferrers a visit is well worth while.
	Higham Ferrers derives its name from Higham (a high hamlet or hill dwelling) and Ferrers from William De Ferrers (Earl Higham from 1247 to 1254). Higham Ferrers was the oldest Borough in Northamptonshire prior to the 1973 government boundary reorganization. It is steeped with history, charm and warm welcomes!
	A weekly market is recorded as being held as long ago as 1066 (Doomsday Book). Higham Ferrers has been a prosperous shopping destination for over a thousand years! In 1251 Henry III granted Higham the right to hold an annual fair! The Archbishop Chichell (born 1362 died 1443) was a close friend & confident of King Henry V, archbishop Chechell's tomb is housed in Westminster Abbey. He was appointed archbishop of Canterbury in 1414. He founded Chichele College at Higham Ferrers in 1422 as an important seat of learning before the establishment of Cambridge & Oxford universities.
	Higham has a magnificent history. The Church House on the Market Square as you approach the church was acquired by the widow Elizabeth Gough in 1528. This lady later went on to marry Laurence Washington the ancestor of George Washington later the first President of the United States of America. The photo shows the old door of St Mary's church carved with scenes of Christ's life. The Griffin is one of the most popular Public Houses and restaurants in the area. It dates back to about 1730 and is a white painted limestone building on the High Street with Welsh slate roof. (we are pleased to recommend it.)
	In 1830 there was one Public House for every 80 inhabitants. One of the oldest recorded coaching inns in Higham is the Green Dragon dating back to the early 1600's. It has ample rear parking and a large children's play area. Higham Ferrers has a good offering of park for games and relaxation (including a fun fair).
	At the rear of the Green Dragon is the last remaining evidence of the old castle that once stood on this site. The Dovecote wall. A visit to Higham is not complete without inspection.
	The stone dovecote wall remains are one of Hingham's most intriguing sites. The doves would be used for communication purposes and perhaps food. It is a fascinating construction that has lasted hundreds of years.
	The Higham Library building came into existence in the early Edwardian period. The silent timepiece displays an inscription "I make no sound yet the hours I tell" what a fun way to portray a sundial. It is on the road parallel to the High St at rear of St Mary's Church.
	The Higham Ferrers Town Hall was rebuilt in 1809 for a total cost of just over £750. It was a Court House and jail until the 1930's. The monument stands to the front of Higham Town Hall which is the center for local government for Higham.
	The Town Hall is situated in the Market Square which has short stay parking and is adjacent to the Higham Chemist. It is one of the closest parking points to St Mary's Church and "China Town" giftshop.
	The Market Cross is some 14 foot high. It was the center of the town but with the shops now spreading southward almost indicates the Northern edge of Higham Businesses community. The Higham Market Cross was built in 1280ad and is a single stone rise of three times the height of the average inhabitants of the time. (We highly recommend a visit to the local bakers opposite!)
	Higham has some most pleasant walks and parks including the Chichele College gardens and grounds open to the public. A walnut tree still grows in Higham that was planted over 600 years ago.
	Higham Ferrers is proud of its magnificent church (St Mary's). Construction began in the early part of the 13th century with extensions still being added for over 100 years.
	The second of the two remaining "Town Cross" monuments can be found as one enters the church yard. This "Warden" dates from the same period as the church but has a carved top added after the first World War dedicated to all those that perished.
	The Bede House is also situated within St Mary's Church grounds. It is now the parish hall and often is the home of local events especially at Christmas. The word Bede is thought to derive from the Beads that would be worn at church where a prayer was given by visitors for each bead.
	St Mary's church looms 170 feet above Higham Ferrers and can be seen from miles away (especially visible from Kimbolton direction.) The carved stone gargoyle's are some of the best example's in the area.
	Whatever your interests we are sure a visit to historic Higham Ferrers will be a most worthwhile trip. History, beauty, peacefulness and a good selection of specialist shops await you! If you require any further information on Higham Ferrers please email us!