Aylesbury, the county town of Buckinghamshire, started as a Saxon
settlement called Aegel's burgh. By medieval times it had developed into
an administrative centre, with its weekly market serving as a focal
point for surrounding villages. Over the centuries the main industries
were lace and silk making, printing and brewing. Its location on various
important routes also led to it becoming a coaching town and, during the
nineteenth century, it grew most notably with the arrival of the
railway. However, it was in the 1950s that Aylesbury experienced its
greatest period of growth when it became an overspill town for London.
In this book, author Paul Rabbitts features fifty of the buildings and
landmarks in the town to reveal the structures that are a testament to
the history and development of Aylesbury. The chosen buildings are drawn
from across the centuries and reflect diverse architectural styles and
purposes, from educational and entertainment to residential and
religious. By exploring Aylesbury's architectural heritage in an
engaging and accessible way, the author charts the changing face of the
town and the places that have played a significant or surprising role in
its history. Illustrated throughout, Aylesbury in 50 Buildings will be
of great interest to residents, visitors and local historians.
