An interactive trail allowing users to follow the path of the 1675 Great Fire of Northampton is now available to download on both Apple and Android phones.

The augmented reality trail, commissioned by Northampton Town Council as part of this year’s 350th anniversary of the blaze, can be found by downloading the ‘Explore Northampton’ app and choosing the ‘Great Fire Trail.’

Visitors to the town centre can step back in time to the fateful day in September 1675 when the fire started, and be guided along the trail by following narrated instructions on their phones, hearing from virtual characters who tell their stories along the way.

The trail is marked out with handy floor stickers to guide users and five educational boards complementing the trail are located around All Saints’ Church on Mercers Row and Wood Hill.

The fire was a major event in Northampton’s history that shaped much of the town centre seen today in terms of street layout and historic architecture. Many of the historic locations on the trail still exist, so users will find history brought to life before their eyes as they walk along the fire’s path of destruction.

700 of the town’s 850 buildings were destroyed in the fire, leaving many homeless and 11 dead. All Hallows’ Church (the present day All Saints’) was burnt to the ground, along with many other important structures.

The trail launch marks the start of an exciting five-month programme of special activities and events telling the story of the fire and the rebuild that followed, delivered by local cultural and historical groups and partners including the town council, West Northamptonshire Council and Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District.

The trail was created for the town council by Northampton-based AR Media, who also manage the Explore Northampton app. Scan the QR code to download the app and access the trail, starting at St Mary’s Street Northampton, by the Castle Hill Church (NN1 2RN).

More information about the Great Fire 350 anniversary and the Great Fire trail can be found on the town council’s website:
northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/greatfire350

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