Rushden
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  Map sources for Rushden at grid reference SP9566
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- See also: Rushden, Hertfordshire
Rushden is a town in England in the county of Northamptonshire, lying on the A6 mid-way between Bedford and Kettering.
The southern limits of the town border on the county of Bedfordshire, and to the north lies the River Nene (locally pronounced Nen) which flows into The Wash.
The parish of Rushden covers an area of some 3777 acres (15 km²),[old estimation] and falls within the administration of East Northamptonshire Council. The current population of Rushden is 25,849 (2001 census).
Rushden lies in a small valley, with a stream or brook known as Sidney Brook flowing through the centre of the town. In recent years, this stream has been culverted to prevent flash flooding. From which ever way Rushden is approached, the streets and roads can be seen stretching out in the valley, with the spire of St Mary's church looming above the rooftops.
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[edit] History
Rushden's roots and prosperity have resulted from a number of industries, including lace making and farming, although the boot and shoe industry, and associated trades were responsible for the largest growth in the town. In the industry's heyday there were well over 100 boot and shoe factories in Rushden.
Today just a handful of these factories survive. One of the most renowned is Sanders and Sanders, which makes boots for the British Army and several other defence departments throughout the world. Some of the redundant factories have been converted into flats. Today, as with many towns in England, industry in the town is varied, and mostly situated in an out-of-town industrial estate. As with the industry, town centre shopping in Rushden has changed considerably recently although there are many excellent shops. Rushden has the oldest toy shop in the county.
In 1893 a short branch line railway opened linking Rushden and Higham Ferrers with the Midland Main Line. The line was closed in 1959 and dismantled. In 1991 the trackbed was converted into a pocket park [1].
The former Rushden railway station is now owned by the Rushden Historical Transport Society [2], which operates a museum and real ale bar. The society often holds special events, including an annual 3-day transport cavalcade. The society aims to rebuild the branch line from Higham Ferrers to Wellingborough.
There is also a local heritage centre situated in part the former Council Offices in Newton Road. The Rushden and District History Society have a cabinet, and also host special displays from time to time. Exhibitions are changed every six weeks. The centre is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.00pm, and on the second, third and fifth Saturdays of each month at the same times.
A new road has been built which by passes Rushden and Higham Ferrers, it starts on the A6 Bedford Road and finishes at Chowns Mill Roundabout, Irthlingborough.
[edit] Sports
The town's football club, Rushden Town merged with nearby Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992 to become Rushden & Diamonds. The new club plays in at Nene Park, on the outskirts of Irthlingborough, and currently competes in the Nationwide Conference. Their shirts are sponsored by Moto.
[edit] Transport
Rushden is on the A6 trunk road between Luton and the East Midlands.
The nearest railway station is at Wellingborough about three miles away, on the Midland Main Line.
[edit] Nearby settlements
Bedford, Burton Latimer, Corby, Finedon, Higham Ferrers, Irchester, Irthlingborough, Kettering, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Oundle, Podington, Raunds, St Neots, Thrapston, Wellingborough, Wollaston, Wymington
