Before the steel works were built, Corby was just a small English village. In 1910 it already had its own ironstone works. Huge reserves of steel-making materials were found nearby, and the area soon specialised in manufacturing steel tubes for international markets. Corby became a big employer and people flooded in to find jobs. Around 1934, so many people migrated from Scotland that they became the majority of the population. Their cultural influence is still felt in Corby today.

During the Second World War the Corby Workers became even more important. During the invasion of Europe they helped to develop the pipeline under the ocean (PLUTO for short). This was a lifeline to the allied forces, as it supported them after the D Day Invasion.

In 1980 the people of Corby were devastated, when the decision was taken to close the steel works, leaving 6,000 people redundant. But the residents and councillors lobbied Westminster and Europe to ensure Corby did not revert back to an unknown English village. 15 months after the steelworks were closed, Corby became a 'new town': 1.5 million square feet of new business units were set up, 1,500 new businesses occupied them and this created 15,000 new jobs for the residents of Corby. Recently, the recession has put Corby's jobs at risk again.

Places to visit:
Corby Heritage Centre; East Carlton Steel Heritage Centre