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Founded in 1633 by Sir Thomas, later, Lord Crewe of Steane. Lord
Crewe was a Puritan who supported Parliament in the Civil War and
was also Speaker of the House of Commons. The Almshouses restored
in some measure the provision of accommodation for the poor, which
had existed in Brackley before the closure of the Hospital of St
James and St John.
Near St Peter’s church there are two ancient springs called
Golden Spring Well and St Rumbold’s Well. Because water ran
from the springs down the roadway, it is known as Watery Lane. St
Rumbold was a legendary child prodigy from the royal families of
Mercia and Northumbria. According to a 10th century document, at
his birth, in Kings Sutton, he is supposed to have spoken at length
on Christianity. Later he foretold of his death and his wish to
rest for two years at Brackley before being buried at Buckingham.
His resting-place at Brackley is the site of the well.
Brackley’s twin towns are Les Pavillons-sous-Bois, near
Paris, France and Montabaur, between Cologne and Koblenz, Germany.
The twinning with Les Pavillons-sous-Bois took place in 1972, and
1992 saw Brackley celebrate the twentieth anniversary when a variety
of activities were provided for the French guests.
Montabaur twinned with Brackley in 1975. Many visits between the
local Brackley European Association and their counterparts have
taken place over the years. Official delegations also participate
and so far as Brackley is concerned, each councillor funds his or
her own costs.
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