NORTHAMPTON.

NORTHAMPTON is situate on a gentle ascent

from the northern bank of the river Nyne or Nen, supposed to have been antiently called Aufona, or Avon; and from this

situation it is supposed to

have derived its name. In what age, or by whom Northampton was built, it is almost impossible to determine. It has been stated that Belinus, a British king, was the founder; but for the fact there is no certain authority. It is, however, a presumptive proof, that there was a town or settlement in the time of the Britons, as, on the division of the kingdom into shires or counties, the town was of sufficient importance to give its name to the county. In the reign of Edward the elder it was in the possession of the Danes.

In the year 1010, it was almost ruined by the fury of the Danish troops, who, in their ravages throughout the kingdom, broke into these parts, burnt Northampton, and nearly depopulated the adjacent country.

In 1064, Tosti, who had the government of the Northumbrians, was, for his tyranny and oppression, expelled the province, and Morcar was elected their Earl. Marching southwards in a body they advanced to Northampton, where Harold met them with an army, having been sent by the king to vindicate the royal authority, and do justice to Tosti. But finding, on their representations, that they had equity on their side, he deemed it more adviseable to withdraw his forces, and assist their deputies in confirming Morcar in the government. During these transactions they committed great outrages in the town and neighbourhood, killing the inhabitants, burning their houses and corn, and carrying away many thousands of cattle, and several hundred prisoners. Its recovery from these calamities was very slow, as at the time of the general survey many of the houses were uninhabited; and Simon de St. Liz, who in the Conqueror's reign built the castle, re-edified the town.

From this period, improving in elegance and