Ringstead

Ringstead was first documented in 1124 and the name may come from the Anglo Saxon 'hring' meaning 'a circular place' possibly derived from one of the ancient parish fields.
The oldest building in the village is St Mary's Church which dates, in part, from the 12th Century. It is built from the local ironstone which was also used in the building of private houses and often associated with limestone. There are four buildings in the village of special architectural or historic interest.
Shoemaking was once carried out in the village and elsewhere and there is still a small 'closing' business operating in the village.
The Parish contributed significantly to the production of sand and gravel in the past, and this has created large areas of water which now add to the attractions of the area. There is a trout fishery on Addington Road, and Kinewell Lake Pocket Park and Local Nature Reserve is an important and very attractive resource.
Ringstead also has a good range of services and facilities including shops, two public houses, a Working Men's Club, Post Office and primary School. It is also close to both Raunds and Thrapston where an even wider range of facilities are available.
There are bus services to Northampton, Wellingborough, Raunds, Rushden, Corby, Kettering and Thrapston.