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Banbury Town Council

Banbury: A Welcome
Banbury: An Historic Town
Banbury Town Council
Opportunities for Leisure
Events
Banbury: A Place to do Business
Banbury: A Fairtrade Town
Local Information
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Banbury Town
Council Contact Information


Banbury Town Council
Town Hall,
Bridge Street,
Banbury
OX16 5QB


Tel: 01295 250340

Email: Banbury Council
Banbury Website

 

Banbury An Historic Town

Parsons Sreet Banbury lies at the heart of an informal region known locally as Banburyshire. This stretches from Edge Hill to Deddington on the Oxford side and from Hook Norton in the west towards Brackley in the east. Much of the area is characterised by red soils and warm brown buildings built in the local Hornton stone.

Present day visitors to the town will find a Victorian cross of 1859 where the High Street, Horse Fair and South Bar all meet. Earlier, in the 17th century, crosses in other locations including the market place had been pulled down by Puritans whose activities brought to an end an age of cockhorses and maypole dancing.

Banbury is much older than this unfortunate incident in its history. The story of the town is the tale of twin Saxon hamlets. Banesberie and Grimsberie which were separated by the River Cherwell. The former developed into a planned medieval burgh and eventually the granting of a Charter of Incorporation on 26 January 1554 by Queen Mary. The Charter gave the town the right to have a Common CounReindeer Inn, Parsons Streetcil consisting of a Bailiff, 12 Alderman and 12 Capital Burgesses. In 1608 a second Charter was granted providing that the chief citizen should have the title of Mayor. The Council was also empowered to elect a High Steward, Recorder, Chamberlain and Town Clerk.

In the 12th century Banbury grew up around a market place, which was defended by a castle (the second of three). Here the weekly produce markets took place and fairs were held. A twice-weekly market still survives and there is now also a monthly farmers’ market. The annual Michaelmas Hiring Fair is now a three-day fun event each October.

Elsewhere in the town centre, street names indicate that animals were brought and sold in many widely separated areas. These included Horse Fair and Cow Fair (now part of Bridge Street) renowned for cattle. Banbury has retained many features of design and layout of buildings and streets which have become associated with the market town. Especially worth visiting are St Mary’s Church in the Horsefair, the Vivers’ House (a 17th century half-timbered house formerly the home of Edward Vivers, merchant & Quaker), towards the lower end of the High Street, the Unicorn Inn, with its yard off the Market Place and the Reindeer Inn off Parsons Street, famous for the pre-English Civil War Globe Room. Other popular sites are listed on the Banbury Town Trail, details of which are available from the Town Hall or Tourist Information Centre.
Bandstand, High Street
Banbury now has a regional shopping centre called Castle Quay but many visitors will also want to obey the call to ‘Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross’ and see the old town, which hosts a variety of independently owned shops in pedestrianised streets and lanes.

The famous Banbury Cakes, an oval flaky pastry delicacy stuffed with dried fruit and spices, are still made to a secret recipe and sold throughout Banbury in tea shops, delicatessens, the Tourist Information Centre and on the weekly markets.

The Tourist Information Centre, situated in the Castle Quay Shopping Centre offers advice and information to visitors and tourists as well as an accommodation booking service. Telephone: 01295 753752 or visit, www.visitnorthoxfordshire.com



Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any format, without permission, is strictly forbidden. Photography copyright Tudor Photography