Amersham

The Market Towns Of Buckinghamshire - Amersham

The market town is an important part of the heritage of Buckinghamshire because it characterises the traditional way of life that effectively made the county what it was up until recently. The culture of the average market town is unique to itself depending on the level of community spirit in each one, but that is something that Amersham has never had to worry about. Amersham indeed has a strong sense of community spirit and this is just one of the reasons why tourists do visit the market town in droves every year!

Amersham is actually located within the Chiltern Hills and so there are lovely nature walks that meander through the town itself. The surrounding landscape is extremely picturesque and is easily accessible, but the attractions within Amersham are more to do with historical and not natural value. The town has been there since before the Domesday Book was published in 1086, at which time it belonged to Queen Edith, wife of Edward the Confessor. In the ensuing years it would belong to King Harold, William the Conqueror, the Earl of Essex and then Edward Earl of Bedford. It was only under him that the area went from strength to strength.

The town is actually split into two – Amersham on the Hill, or Top Amersham, and Old Amersham. Both are Medieval in atmosphere as a result of the age of some of the buildings, one of the oldest of which was built in 1450. That is actually Amersham Museum in Amersham Old Town, but there is also Market Hall, which dates back to 1682 and used to be a prison. However, At Mary’s Church dates back to the 13th Century and so is the oldest overall. There is plenty to see and a number of things to do in Amersham so if you would like an idea of what Buckinghamshire would have looked like in centuries gone by then look no further.