Kathrina Perry - Local Historian

25/10/2026

🌹 Happy Northamptonshire Day! 🌹

Today we're celebrating the rich history and heritage of Northamptonshire – a county full of fascinating places, remarkable people and stories waiting to be discovered!

But did you know why Northamptonshire Day is celebrated on 25th October? 🤔

Today is the feast day of St Crispin and St Crispinian, the patron saints of shoemakers and leatherworkers. With Northamptonshire's long and proud association with the boot and shoe industry, it's a particularly fitting date to celebrate our county! 👞

Of course, Northamptonshire's history goes far beyond its famous footwear. From medieval churches and historic market towns to grand country houses, industrial buildings and the everyday stories of those who lived and worked here, there's so much to explore.

One of the things I love most about local history is discovering the stories behind the places we pass every day, often without giving them a second thought.

❤️ What's your favourite historic place in Northamptonshire? Or is there a local story you'd love to know more about?

I'd love to hear your suggestions!

21/10/2026

🎓 Well, I've finally done it!

After several years of research, writing, rewriting, countless historical rabbit holes and more than a few moments of questioning my life choices, I've submitted my PhD thesis!

Rather anticlimactically, it all came down to uploading a file and clicking a button! 😂

There's still the small matter of the viva, but for now, Im celebrating this milestone.

And while one chapter is (almost) finished, another is beginning…📜

Introducing Kathrina Perry – Local Historian!

I've been quietly setting up my own history business, combining my love of research with my passion for uncovering and sharing the stories of ordinary people, places and communities. From family and house histories to historical research and heritage projects, I'm looking forward to helping others discover the fascinating stories of the past. I'd love it if you could take a look, follow along or help spread the word!🌐

www.kathrinaperryhistory.com

History Lives in Us All. Lets Find Yours.

Now, I think I've earned a celebratory cup of tea!!

I am a local historian dedicated to uncovering and interpreting the unique heritage of places and communities. Combining rigorous research with accessible storytelling, I help museums, archives, and organizations bring history to life through exhibitions, heritage trails, public talks, and learning....

21/08/2026

Have you had a look at my new website yet?

I launched it earlier this month as the new home for my historical research work. It’s where you can find out more about the research services I offer, explore my writing and discover ways I might be able to help with your own history project.

Whether you need help uncovering a person’s story, investigating the history of a place or organisation, or making sense of archival material, you can now find everything in one place.

Take a look here: www.kathrinaperryhistory.com

And if you have a research question or project in mind, you’re very welcome to get in touch.

I am a local historian dedicated to uncovering and interpreting the unique heritage of places and communities. Combining rigorous research with accessible storytelling, I help museums, archives, and organizations bring history to life through exhibitions, heritage trails, public talks, and learning....

12/08/2026

Exciting news—my official website is officially live! 🎉

Welcome! I’m Kathrina, a local historian based in Northamptonshire dedicated to bringing regional stories and local heritage to life.

Whether you’re looking for an engaging talk for your local group, research for a heritage project, or help uncovering your family’s roots across England, Scotland, and Wales, you can now explore all of my services in one place.

Take a look around the new site to see what I offer—from archival research and community workshops to public speaking and heritage consultancy:

👉www.kathrinaperryhistory.com

I’d love to know what you think! Feel free to share this with anyone interested in regional history, local heritage, or family tree research. 📜✨

26/07/2026

📢 Something New is On the Horizon!

Exciting news! A brand-new website for Kathrina Perry – Local Historian is currently under construction. I’m building a dedicated online home to make it even easier to explore my local history research services, public talks, and community heritage projects. 📜✨

While the finishing touches are being made behind the scenes, the website link will take you straight to my blog—so you can still dive into local history articles, stories, and research updates in the meantime!

👉 Click the link to explore the blog, and stay tuned for the official site launch: www.kathrinaperryhistory.com

What local history topics or stories are you hoping to read more about on the new site? Let me know in the comments below! 👇

09/07/2026

I love a ghost sign https://www.facebook.com/share/p/199oXqNN7y/?mibextid=wwXIfr

👻 Over 60 historic "ghost signs" have been mapped by citizen scientists in Northampton.🕵

Do you know of any hidden ghost signs in your area? Let us know in the comments.👇

05/07/2026

✨ **What a wonderful afternoon!** ✨

Thank you so much to everyone who came out to the talk yesterday as part of Rushden Life. It was an absolute pleasure sharing the stories of these incredible local women (and the extra historical tidbits!) with such an engaged audience.

There is nothing quite like bringing our local heritage to life and seeing people connect with the history that happened right on our doorstep.

🎤 Want to bring these history stories to your group?
I love taking these fascinating glimpses into our past on the road! If your local society, group, or venue is looking for a guest speaker, feel free to drop me a message to chat about availability and topics.

If you missed out or want to dive deeper into the history, keep your eyes peeled—I’ll be dropping a new blog post very soon focusing on some fascinating Rushden and Wellingborough ladies.

Special thank you to Andrew Presland for inviting me to talk. Thank you again for the fantastic support!

04/07/2026

📢 **Live Local History Talk This Afternoon!** 📢

If you are free today, I’ll be sharing the fascinating stories of local women (and a few extra surprises!) from our regional history.

✨ **Coming Soon to the Blog:**

Keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks! I’ll be sharing a deeper dive into some of the incredible Rushden and Wellingborough ladies I've been researching for this talk.

Join Andrew Presland and Kathrina Perry (Northampton University) for a dive into the history of entrepreneurs and philanthropists in Rushden

28/05/2026

01/05/2026

Ever feel like your local history research has hit a brick wall? 🧱🔍

I know how frustrating it can be to hunt for that one missing piece of the puzzle. That’s why I’m so excited to share this! The Northamptonshire Record Society just released a fantastic new guide packed with local sources and expert tips for researching online.

Whether you're tracing your family tree or uncovering the secrets of your own street, this is a goldmine. 💎

If you need a hand navigating these archives or want to dive deeper into our local past, I’m here to help!

CTA: Check out the guide here and send me a DM if you’d like some personalized help with your next project! 👇

History is a conversation between the present and what remains of the past, most of which was not written or created with the aim of helping future...