Braunston is a village and civil parish in West Northamptonshire, next to the border with Warwickshire. At the 2011 Census, the parish had a population of 1,759. Braunston is situated just off the A45 main road and lies between the towns of Daventry and Rugby.
Braunston is a hilltop village, most famous for its canal junction between the Oxford Canal and the Grand Union Canal, and associated marina. Braunston is the busiest inland waterways junction in the United Kingdom, with over 200,000 boat movements passing through each year.
The village has a number of pubs, restaurants and shops, as well as a primary school and a medical centre. There are also a number of businesses associated with the canal, including boat hire companies, boat repair and maintenance workshops, and chandlers.
Braunston has a long and rich history. The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and there is evidence of human habitation in the area dating back to the Roman era. The village grew in importance during the Middle Ages, when it became a centre for the wool trade.
In the 18th century, the Grand Union Canal was built through Braunston, and the village became a major hub for the transportation of goods and people. The canal also brought tourism to the village, and a number of hotels and inns were built to cater for the visitors.
Today, Braunston is a popular tourist destination, particularly for boaters and walkers. The village is also a popular place to live, with a good range of amenities and a strong community spirit.
