Buckingham UK
The Green Heart of England
A lovely market town to visit, shop and walk around
History of Buckingham UK
Buckingham’s History
Buckingham UK became the county town of Buckinghamshire during the 10th century. According to the Saxon Chronicle, Edward the Elder was with his army at Buckingham in 918 AD when he fortified the town during his advance on Danish invaders. Edward’s stronghold probably stood on Castle Hill, later the site of a Norman castle and now occupied by the parish church of St Peter and St Paul.
The Manor of Buckingham is recorded in the Doomsday survey of 1086 as being held by Walter Gifford, who was created Duke of Buckinghamshire by William the Conqueror. This same family continued to hold it until the reign of Henry VIII.
Buckingham prospered as a medieval market town. Charters from Mary Tudor in 1554, and Charles II in 1684, established market days and two annual fairs, which still take place today. Catherine of Aragon, first queen of Henry VIII, stayed at Castle House in 1514. Edward VI founded the Latin School in the town, and Elizabeth I dined at the Manor House while on a journey to Bicester.
During the Civil War, Buckingham’s local gentry took opposing sides. Both Oliver Cromwell and Charles I spent time in the town, the latter holding a Council of War at Castle House.
In the early 18th century Buckingham was in decline and, after a disastrous fire, much of its centre had to be rebuilt. In spite of the canal and the coming of the railway, Buckingham was little altered until well into the 20th century. Today, it retains much of its traditional market town charm.
