Tel: 01296 383 812

History

Aylesbury Vale’s roots go back a long way and are firmly embedded in the history of the region. The earliest indication of a community was in the Bronze Age, whilst modern excavation has revealed it to have been a fortified Iron Age settlement. With the arrival of the Anglo Saxons in 571 AD and the expulsion of the Britons, the town was given its first name: Aiglerburgh.

Mentioned in the Doomsday Book, it was granted a Charter of Incorporation in 1554 by Queen Mary, and just under 100 years later became a centre of military activity. A strategically positioned town, Aylesbury featured in the Battle of Aylesbury in 1642, one of the many clashes that occurred between Royalist and Parliamentary forces during The Civil War.

The town itself has developed over the centuries, but much of the interior retains its character with narrow Tudor streets, 17th century houses, and the church with its 13th century spire and 17th century clock tower. At one time, Aylesbury was an important stop for stagecoaches, a fact amply supported by the number of coaching inns the town could boast. The King’s Head Hotel is one such example which survives to this day catering for modern travellers and visitors to the area.

Geography

Strategically positioned close to the M40 and A41, but located amidst beautiful countryside, Aylesbury Vale is ideally situated.

Amongst the major centres that are within easy reach are:

• Milton Keynes
• Oxford
• Northampton
• London
• Heathrow Airport
• Reading
• Luton Airport.

Milton Keynes and Heathrow are within 45 minutes of Aylesbury, and the strategic plan for the area covers improvements to transport links, including a rail extension and additional roads.

Blenheim Palace is not far away, although Waddesdon Manor, set in delightful grounds and once home to one of the Rothschilds, is much nearer. The Aylesbury Tourist Information Centre can provide more details of the area’s historical legacy, its local attractions and forthcoming events.