Early History
Image of Old Gaol
The meaning of the name Buckingham is 'the place of Bucca's people hemmed in by water'; in the year 914 the area was heavily fortified by Bucca against the armies of the Danes. By the time of the Norman Conquest Buckingham had become a royal borough. King William II gave Buckingham to Walter Giffard who became the Earl of Buckingham. The first Duke of Buckingham was Humphrey Stafford who received the title when the manor of Buckingham was passed to him in the 16th Century. Ownership of the town passed through many hands during the 16th and 17th Centuries. The current Manor House in Buckingham was previously the Prebendal House and was extremely grand for its time, but it was spoiled during the Civil War and demolished by 1654.
Civil War
The Civil War was a time of split loyalties for Buckingham. Sir Edmund Verney and Sir Alexander Denton were both royalists, but there were also local Parliamentarians such as Sir Richard Temple and Sir Richard Ingoldsby. The town was vulnerable to attacks on two fronts - from Oxford where the King's Court was established, and also London which was held by Parliament. Legend has it that in 1643 Oliver Cromwell stayed in Buckingham, and that King Charles stayed briefly at Castle House.
Fire of Buckingham
One of the most significant events in Buckingham's history is the fire of 1724. Most of the houses were made from timber and plaster, and many roofs were thatched. The fire began in the Unicorn Inn in Market Square; it destroyed 138 houses which were mostly uninsured, and over 500 people were made homeless. They were re-housed in brick-built dwellings in Cow Fair. The 1724 fire explains why, apart from the Chantry Chapel, there are no really old buildings in the centre of Buckingham.
Swans in Buckingham
One of the most striking sights in Buckingham is that of the majestic swans gliding along the River Ouse. According to one legend a Danish chieftain used the sign of the swan as his personal standard. Today the swan still appears in the arms of Buckingham, in those of the county and in the crest of the University.
County Town
During the reign of Henry VIII Buckingham lost its status as County Town to Aylesbury, but it fought hard to win it back. Lord Cobham built the landmark gaol on Market Hill for the popular summer assizes (with circuit judges and a jury in attendance), and these were held here until 1849. However, Aylesbury had built a new County Hall with improved prisoner facilities, and it managed to win back the summer assizes.
There were a number of coaching inns during the 18th and 19th centuries that are still open today. The Cobham Arms, the White Hart and the Swan and Castle all still have their original coach entrances.
The Grand Union Canal opened in Buckingham in 1799, enabling cheaper coal and Welsh slate for roofing material to be brought in. In 1850 the railway line reached Buckingham, encouraging the building of Chandos Road with its distinctive Victorian houses. The disused railway line today is popular with local walkers.
The building of a number of schools in the area was encouraged by the 1902 Education Act. The independent University of Buckingham is a famous educational institution that was originally supported by Margaret Thatcher prior to its opening in 1976. Aside from its role in education, the University organises a programme of concerts and lectures which are attended by students, staff and townspeople.
In common with many English towns, Buckingham has seen changes during the 20th and 21st Centuries due to the need for more housing and employment. However, it is still a vibrant commercial centre retaining the character of a long-established town.
Date Published: 28/03/08