Latest News Archives | Delapre Abbey

Enjoy storytelling, living history and creative crafts this half term

Posted on 24th May 202224th May 2022 by Delapré Abbey

Half term is nearly upon us! We will be hosting various creative and engaging activities at the Abbey for all […]

Iconic Northampton heritage sites team up to offer day out for groups

Posted on 21st April 2022 by Delapré Abbey

Two much-loved Northampton heritage attractions – Delapré Abbey with its 900 years of history and 78 Derngate, the only house […]

Delapré Abbey to host five-day festival for the whole family this Easter

Posted on 14th April 2022 by Delapré Abbey

A free five-day festival is taking place at Delapré Abbey this Easter – with a packed programme of music and […]

Key worker couple set to say ‘I do’ at Delapré Abbey

Posted on 13th April 202213th April 2022 by Delapré Abbey

Wedding bells will soon be ringing for the winners of Delapré Abbey’s Wedding with Thanks competition – launched at the […]

Artwork made in tribute to the NHS opens at Delapré Abbey this Friday

Posted on 4th April 20227th April 2022 by Delapré Abbey

Created from hospital bed sheets, this poignant piece by artist Luke Jerram will be exhibited on the Abbey’s South Lawn, […]

Help shape a new cycling and walking hub at Delapré Park

Posted on 21st March 202221st March 2022 by Delapré Abbey

Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, the University of Northampton and West Northamptonshire Council would like to hear your views on proposed […]

Delapré Abbey reopens this Sunday with a new exhibition and week of family fun celebrating its medieval past

Posted on 7th February 202212th February 2022 by Delapré Abbey

Black death, a royal love story, and the bloody Battle of Northampton are all explored in a new permanent exhibition […]

Bike recycling and coaching project receives funding boost

Posted on 4th February 20224th February 2022 by Delapré Abbey

Plans for a scheme to get more people in West Northamptonshire to lead healthier lives through cycling and walking looks […]

Delapré Abbey receives grant award from the Architectural Heritage Fund

Posted on 21st December 202121st December 2021 by Delapré Abbey

Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust (DAPT) has been awarded a grant of £8,000 from the Architectural Heritage Fund towards the cost […]

Meet our Christmas Fair Stallholders

Posted on 26th November 202129th November 2021 by Delapré Abbey

This past week, we have been showcasing some of our lovely Christmas Fair stallholders. Visit us this weekend to browse […]

may, 2022

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sun29may(may 29)11:00 amsun30oct(oct 30)4:00 pmJoan Wake the pioneer: her passion and her legacyDiscover our new exhibition detailing the story of Joan Wake's tireless fight to save Delapré Abbey from demolition.11:00 am - (october 30) 4:00 pm

Event Details

Sunday 29th May – Sunday 30th October
11am-4pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
Entry included in the price of general admission (£8 adults, under 18s go free)

‘I must gather the strength of a lion for the campaign.’ Joan Wake, Jan 1956

This new temporary exhibition details the story of one woman’s tireless fight to rescue the county’s archives from destruction and to save Delapré Abbey from demolition. Joan Wake was a fierce and dedicated individual and was distraught at the thought that Delapré Abbey would be demolished by the council in 1954. What came next was years of fundraising, campaigning, and anxiety, right until the last stroke of midnight on the day of the deadline for raising funds to save the Abbey.

Discover Joan Wake’s personal story in which she broke free from the confines of her upbringing; her passion for history and the preservation and publication of archival material which led her to establish the Northamptonshire Record Society, and the creation of the Northamptonshire Record Office to house the growing collection.

See records and images lent by the Northamptonshire Record Office, follow the journey of how Delapré Abbey is still standing today, and find out more about the Northamptonshire people that shared and supported Joan Wake’s passion for protecting and celebrating the county’s history.

‘Joan Wake could be very irritating. So too, of course, could Winston Churchill. People do not achieve great things by being constantly and smilingly subservient…had there not been a Joan Wake there would almost certainly have been no Delapré Abbey.’ Lou Warwick, editor of Northampton Town & County Independent, 1974.

This exhibition is presented by Northamptonshire Record Society and marks their 100th anniversary which occurred in 2020 whilst the country was in lockdown.

Time

May 29 (Sunday) 11:00 am - October 30 (Sunday) 4:00 pm

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