Barby, Northamptonshire

Infobox UK place
country = England
official_name= Barby
latitude= 52.32811
longitude= -1.20464
civil_parish= Barby
population = 2,083 (2001 Census)
shire_district= Daventry district
shire_county= Northamptonshire
region= East Midlands
constituency_westminster= Daventry
post_town= RUGBY
postcode_district = CV23
postcode_area= CV
dial_code= 01788
os_grid_reference= SP543703

Barby is a village and civil parish in the Daventry district of Northamptonshire, England. In 2001 it had a population of 2,083. [ [http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/viewFullDataset.do?instanceSelection=03070&productId=779&$ph=60_61&datasetInstanceId=3070&startColumn=1&numberOfColumns=4&containerAreaId=790470 ONS statistics] ]

Barby is located approximately 5 miles (8km) south of Rugby, and about 7 miles north of Daventry. The village is located upon a hill overlooking the Rains Brook and Leam valleys. The Oxford Canal is near. The village contains two garden centres, a pub, a general shop and post office, and a Church of England primary school. The village church is dedicated to St Mary and has an interesting blue clock face. In 1965 Owen Maclaren designed and patented the first baby buggy at Arnold House, a restored medieval farmhouse. Three bus routes used to run through the village, the 205, 207 and 208 run by First, linking it with Rugby, Northampton, Crick and other surrounding villages. However, due to Stagecoach in Warwickshire taking control of these routes, only one bus route (Route 10) now runs. The route now only runs to Rugby only, axing the link to Northampton. The beautiful Barby Cricket Ground is located opposite the windmill on Longdown Lane and the club runs successful men's, women's and junior sides.

History

Barby's name came from Old Norse "Bergbýr" = "hill dwelling"; like Rugby, Kilsby, Badby and Oadby it was probably settled or renamed by Vikings.

The earthworks from a Norman [http://homepage.mac.com/philipdavis/English%20sites/2199.html castle] can be found on the northern edge of the village, off Castle Mound road. The lost village of Onley is located in the north-west corner of Barby parish. During the Second World War there was a Prisoner of War camp in the village. A map of the old village with photographs can be found in the recently-enlarged village hall, next to which can be found a children's play area of some size. There was a windmill to the south of the village which is still standing although the sails have been taken off and it has now been converted into a private residence.

Twin Village

The village is twinned with Vulaines-sur-Seine in France.

References