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Desborough developed around the spinning and weaving industries, by the 19th century specialising in silk. Many archaeological finds from the Iron Age and Anglo-Saxon periods have been made in the town, some of which are in the collections of the British Museum.

Desborough's origins lie in the Bronze Age around 2000 BC. Urns from that period have been found in and around the town. The most important archaeological find was the 1st-century Desborough Mirror, which is now in the British Museum, as is the Anglo-Saxon Desborough Necklace, found in the Paddock Lane area of the town, which comprises gold beads, a gold cross and a red garnet. Other stone artefacts are on display in the parish church.

Notable buildings in the town include the 13th-century parish church of St Giles.

Domesday Book (1086) refers to Desborough as a "place of judgement". In fact, the name itself is thought to have derived from 'Disburg', which meant a sacred and fortified place. In the High Street, as a centrepiece of what is now the Market Square, stands a pillar that is called locally the Town Cross despite being a square column with a stone ball on top. It is thought to have been a gateway pillar from Harrington Hall.