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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, warm brown buildings and, in the villages, by a fair proportion of thatched roofs.

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 Council 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 produce markets and fairs took place. 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.

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. After 1925, a company called Midland Mart centralised all livestock sales in Grimsbury. The market closed in 1998. Despite losing the famous Stockyard, 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, 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.

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.

After a brief period of absence the famous traditional Banbury Cakes are making a welcome return. The secret recipe is now being made in Witney, with the cakes being sold throughout Banbury.

Banbury also hears the ‘Hearty Bellow’ of the Town Crier. The Crier performs at numerous events throughout the Town. This dying art has now been brought back to life.

The Tourist Information Centre, situated in the Castle Quay Shopping Centre continues to offer advice and information to visitors and tourists as well as an accommodation booking service, which embraces a ‘book a bed ahead’ service.

(Enquiries relating to the Banbury Museum and the Tourist Information Office Tel: 01295 259855)

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 Rosy Burke Design Associates.