North Northamptonshire Estate shortlisted for multiple awards after huge strides in last three years

Culture and tourism

18 October 2024

Image of group of adults stood in a line

The Chester House Estate – a heritage site based in Irchester – has been shortlisted for three awards, celebrating their unique heritage programmes and progress since their opening in 2021.

The Estate has been shortlisted for a national Archaeological Achievement Award by the Council for British Archaeology for the Irchester Field School, a collaborative community research and learning project in partnership with the University of Leicester.

The Irchester Field School is core to a wide-ranging partnership between the University of Leicester (UoL) and North Northamptonshire Council. In summer 2024, more than 10,000 people attended collaborative programmes and events focused on the archaeology of the small Roman town of Irchester and the Nene Valley. The Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre, which houses more than 20,000 boxes of archaeological finds from Northamptonshire, is located at the Chester House Estate. This combination of a nationally significant heritage site, an incredible blend of knowledge and expertise, and hands-on research and learning opportunities for all ages, make this collaboration unique.

The Estate have also been shortlisted for two awards at the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, ‘Small Business of the Year’ and ‘Business Person of the Year’ for Head of Culture, Tourism and Heritage at North Northamptonshire Council, Jack Pishhorn.

As the site celebrates its 3rd birthday, this award nomination really is the icing on the cake and is testament to the dedicated staff and volunteers who work daily to ensure the Estate’s success. The programme has seen 10,000 people engaging with the Estate’s unique history since 2021, through research alongside professional archaeologists, volunteering with conservation and finds washing, school trip visits and international students engaging in studies.

This prestigious award recognises not only the incredible work that our expert team have put into the planning and delivery of the Irchester Field School, but the extent of rich history at the Estate and the wider county. Closer to home and we’re also so proud of the Estate’s nominations at the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Recognition in the ‘Small Business of the Year’ category is a real achievement and again shows the team’s hard work and determination over the past 3 years. A special mention should also go to our Head of Culture, Tourism and Heritage, Jack Pishhorn, who has been nominated in the ‘Business Person of the Year’ - he has been instrumental in the Estate’s success and this is the recognition he deserves.
Cllr Helen Howell, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism
The Chester House Estate has always been about locality - local visitors, history and businesses and now a finalist for local awards to recognise the success of the Estate, alongside national recognition for the Irchester Field School.

We are extremely proud of the Estate and all that it has achieved over the past 3 years, I have my fingers crossed and hope that the team come away with the top prize - it really would be testament to the staff, volunteers and partners.
Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council
Our partnership has gone from strength to strength. The Chester House Estate has become a very special place for our students and staff. It is fantastic to investigate and celebrate everyday life in Roman Irchester with colleagues from the Estate and the Archaeological Resource Centre, including volunteers with amazing local knowledge, expertise and a passion for making archaeology accessible to all.Sarah Scott, Professor of Archaeology, University of Leicester

Early enquiries to get involved with the Irchester Field School programme 2025 are now open on The Chester House Estate website.

More about The Chester House Estate
More information about the Irchester Field School programme
Watch the Irchester Field School video from 2024