History

In the 1530's Henry V111 decided Buckingham remained a little too remote for his centralisation plans and the county town became Aylesbury. This turned out to be Buckingham's fortune and today is still a little isolated for some peoples tastes. Alfred the Great made his headquarters on Castle Hill for a time and William the Conqueror's son Walter Giffard became the first Earl of Buckingham, so this place is not without its history. The Great Fire of Buckingham in 1725 destroyed a large number of the oldest buildings, but in turn this led to enormous growth in rebuilding. That is why there are may fine examples of Georgian architecture.

Buckingham University

In 1976 Margaret Thatcher gave her support to and opened the UK's first Private University, adding again an intriguing new chapter to Buckingham's book, bringing students from over 75 countries to live and study here for intensive 2 year degrees & Masters programmes.

Today the town has much more to offer than ever before.

New restaurants have recently opened which to many is always the first real sign that this a place becoming highly desirable. In addition there are 3 Hotels of long standing and a further one being currently built.

Schools

The are a variety of schools in and around the town which include The Royal Latin Grammar School, Akeley Wood and Stowe, as well as a whole host of excellent private nurseries and primary schools.

Business

There is no one dominating industry in the town, WIPAC, DTT&AT, Sigma Coatings, Tesco's & The University (are the largest employers) and one often gets the feeling that so many of the folk here actually work within the community as well as live here. A large number of people are associated with the motor racing industry, due to Silverstone's proximity and consequently many of the racing teams and related manufacturers have made the area their business base.

Shopping

There is a Tescos stores just out of the town on the ring road. In town there are a selection of assorted shops which include antique shops, jewellery, electrical, shoes, bikes, hairdressers and beauty salons. There is also a Woolworths and Boots as well as the usual High Street banks and estate agents. There is a weekly market on Tuesdays and Saturdays and once a month there is a Farmers market. Buses run regularly to Milton Keynes and Bicester Village where there is extensive shopping.

Sport

The town has good municipal leisure facilities which include a swimming pool and leisure club, football, rugby and tennis clubs. There are also several private health clubs - Bourton Mill and Revival at Beales Hotel. Aylesbury Vale have provided an official cycle route, no. 51, which goes from Buckingham to the Claydons to Winslow and onto Milton Keynes.

Geography

Well situated with good access to:
  • Milton Keynes 15 miles and Junction 13 and 14 of the M1
  • Oxford 25 miles
  • Bicester 10 miles and Junction 9 and 10 of the M40
  • Northampton 20 miles

Health

There are three health centres, a cottage hospital and several dental practises in Town. There is also a Veterinary Practise in the High Street.

Surrounding Villages & Towns

Buckingham is surrounded by beautiful countryside to all sides with Stowe Gardens on our doorstep and Waddesdon Manor and Claydon House a short distance away. The surrounding villages include Finmere and Tingewick to the West, the Claydons and Padbury to the South, the Horwoods and Thornborough to the East and Stowe to the North.