Duston, with origins tracing back to Roman times, was once a distinct separate village, initially centered around agriculture before the 19th century. The village expanded very slowly during the Anglo-Saxon period, gradually evolving into an established settlement. Much of the land in Duston Parish had been held by a single landowner for centuries, even before the Norman Conquest.

So the most significant housing development began after the Duston Manor Estate was finally sold in 1919. On 3rd July 1919, Sir Walter Kerr, the owner of the estate, held an auction at the George Hotel in Northampton, which led to the breakup of the once-grand country estate. This sale marked a pivotal moment in Duston's history, paving the way for the growth of New Duston and the industrial development of the British Timken Works. The Estate Sale of 1919 is perhaps when modern day Duston began. Over time, Duston became integrated into Greater Northampton, surrounded by urban development.

Despite its integration, Duston has retained a strong local identity and continues to view itself as a separate community, resisting the notion of being just another district of Northampton.

Historically, Duston was home to several large employers, including British Timken and Quarry Mining. Today, it is primarily a residential area. While some local businesses remain, most larger employment opportunities have shifted to nearby industrial hubs such as Lodge Farm and Sixfields, which are home to a variety of industries including manufacturing, storage, retail, and leisure.

Historical Milestones

• Archaeological evidence suggests that Duston has been a settlement since at least Roman times.
• It was recorded as a farming community in the Domesday Book, with a manor established in 1068 under the authority of William Peveril.
• St Luke's Church, built in the 12th century, remains a significant historical landmark with many medieval features.
• Duston remained largely agricultural until the 19th century when the Industrial Revolution brought iron ore quarrying to the area.
• Duston House on Main Road was built in 1822.
• A school opened on Main Road in 1856, and over the decades it expanded to serve the growing population. The building now serves as St Luke's Centre.
• After the World Wars, council housing was built north of Duston Old Village, starting with the Kerrfield estate, named after the Kerr family, the last to own the Duston estate before its sale in 1919.
• Eastfield Road was constructed after World War II, in the late 1940s.
• British Timken, a major employer from 1942 until 2002, played a significant role in Duston's community life.
• Duston War Memorial was unveiled on 6th February 1921 to honour those who died in World War I, with additional names added after World War II.
• Duston Village Hall opened in 1923, and in 1939 Robert Errington donated land to the community, which became Errington Park.
• St Francis Church opened in 1968, Duston Community Centre in 1974, and Duston Library in 1984.
• Duston Eldean School opened in 1950. Chiltern School opened in 1969. Hopping Hill School opened in 1971. Millway School opened in about 1982.
• In 1956 Duston Secondary Modern School opened. It has been Duston High School, Duston Upper School and now The Duston School. A swimming pool was built on the site in 1972.
• Port Road School opened in 1921 and closed in 1957.
• Ryelands Middle School opened in 1974 and closed in 2004. It is now Prestbury Court.
• From the 1950s onwards, Duston was enveloped by the expansion of Northampton, transforming it into a residential area. Despite this, many historic buildings remain in the old village, which is now a conservation area.
• St Giles Park and Alsace Park developments where built during the 1980s and 1990s.

While Duston has evolved from a distinct village to a suburb of Northampton, it continues to celebrate its rich heritage and maintain its unique character.

Duston Parish Council was established on 1st April 1991 by the Statutory Instrument Northampton (Parishes) Order 1991, with the process overseen by Northampton Borough Council. Initially, Duston was governed by three tiers of local government: Duston Parish Council, Northampton Borough Council, and Northamptonshire County Council. However, since April 2021, following local government reorganization, Duston has been served by just two tiers: the Parish Council and West Northamptonshire Council.

From 1965 to 2021, Duston was covered by the Mayor of Northampton and its civic coat of arms. After the reorganisation, these symbols now belong to Northampton Town Council, with Bants Lane and Harlestone Road marking the boundary between Northampton Town and Duston Civil Parish.

When the Parish Council was formed in 1991, it had no assets and limited funds. It was starting from scratch. Despite this, the Council was immediately proactive in making improvements, such as taking responsibility for the War Memorial and Rose Garden on Main Road. From the beginning the Parish Council put on various events to help bring the wider community together. These early years were characterised by steady growth and the establishment of its role within the community.

Since 2010, the Council's responsibilities have expanded significantly, taking on community buildings, parks, and open spaces. Key milestones include:

• 2010: Ownership of Duston Sports Centre and field. It was former British Timken Sports Club.
• 2011: Duston Community Centre. The Parish Council took over ownership from Northampton Borough Council who no longer wanted the building.
• 2012: A 99-year lease of St Luke's Centre and St Luke's Field. This was previously a Lower Primary School and Playing Field closed by Northamptonshire County Council.
• 2015: Creation of the Duston Neighbourhood Plan. Being one of the first in Northamptonshire to have a Neighbourhood Plan.
• 2021: Ownership of Errington, Melbourne, Mendip, and Grafton Way Parks from Northampton Borough Council.
• 2022: Took ownership of British Timken Gates and Rose Villa Hut.
• 2024: Acquisition of Telstar Way, Duston Wildes Park, Newton Road Open Space, Cheddar Close Open Space, Brockwood Close Open Space, and Westbury Close Open Space.
• 2025: Took on the maintenance and upkeep of St Luke's Closed Churchyard. Took ownership of Rosevilla Access Way, Alfred Knight / Timken Way South / Main Road footpath with 3 streetlights.

The Parish Council continues to evolve, working to enhance local services and amenities for the Duston community.

Local Government Act 1888 – established Northamptonshire County Council

Local Government Act 1894 – established Northampton Rural District Council and Duston Parish Council. The Act created civil parishes in rural areas which took on the secular functions of the local Vestry Committee.

Northampton Order 1965 (SI 1965, No 250) – moved Duston from Northampton Rural District Council and Northamptonshire County Council and into the County Borough of Northampton. Abolished the then Duston Parish Council which had existed since January 1895.

Local Government Act 1972 – abolished the County Borough of Northampton. Established a new Northampton Borough Council. Northamptonshire County Council coved Duston again and the whole of the Northampton area.

Statutory Instrument Northampton (Parishes) Order 1991 – created a new and the present day Duston Parish Council. It came into force 1^st April 1991.

Northamptonshire (Structural Changes) Order 2020 – abolished both Northampton Borough Council and Northamptonshire County Council. Created a single tier unitary West Northamptonshire Council. Duston Parish Council stays the same.