Winslow

About

The historic market town of Winslow was first mentioned in 792 when King Offa gave the area to St Albans Abbey and the King had his very own hunting lodge on the outskirts of the town. A market has been held in the town’s market square since 1235 and today a livestock market is held each Monday, now the only one in Buckinghamshire.

The current high street has retained the layout originally created in the 13th century and there are many beautiful half- timbered buildings still to be seen along the picturesque High Street, Market Square, Sheep Street and Horn Street. Some of these date back to the 16th and 17th century.

Visitors flock to the stunning 13th century church with unusual wall paintings of St Christopher and a portrayal of the murder of Thomas Beckett. Also in the town is Keeches Meeting House, dating from around 1695, probably the oldest surviving non-conformist chapel in Buckinghamshire. Winslow Hall, thought to have been designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is a wonderful example of the his arc/site/things-to-do/attractions/historic-houses/claydon-house-p53613hitecture. Many members of the Royal family have visited the Hall over the years including the Queen Mother, who was a regular visitor, and Princess Margaret who spent six weekends there.

The modern day town has a mix of pubs and restaurants, with interesting shops and an antique centre. Plenty of free parking makes this quaint English market town a perfect place to stroll around and explore. Each August Bank Holiday Monday, the Winslow Show attracts many thousands of visitors to its horse show, gymkhana, dog show, craft marquee and many other traditional activities.

Nearby is the beautiful Georgian country property, Claydon House. A National Trust estate, Claydon is set in spectacular unspoilt countryside and has a rich history associated with the Civil and Crimean Wars; indeed Florence Nightingale resided there for much of the time she was in the country.