The ancient market town of Buckingham lies on the River Ouse, and was founded by the Saxons and first occupied in the 6th century. Buckingham was named after it’s first thane, Bucca, and means land of Bucca’s people. Thanes were fairly common at this time, and gained title and land in exchange for military service. Owing to a disastrous fire in 1724, little evidence of Saxon or indeed Norman occupation is evident in the town, and today Buckingham has a mainly Georgian feeling to it with interwoven streets and fine buildings including the Old Gaol being built in this period.

The thriving market dates back to when Mary Tudor granted the town it’s first Charter in 1554. The horse fair was held every Tuesday in front of Castle House in West Street where Catherine of Aragon once stayed, and cows were sold close to the Old Goal, now the towns information centre and museum. A further Saturday market was introduced in the reign of Charles II, and keeping with tradition, Buckingham still holds market on Tuesdays and Saturdays today.

Although the town expanded during the Second World War with the London evacuations, Buckingham has retained its rural charm and has been designated the jewel in the crown of Aylesbury Vale by the District Council. It’s beautiful countryside and riverside walk are popular excursions for all, along with Stowe Landscaped Gardens at Stowe School and nearby Claydon House.