Banbury

Ride A Cock Horse To Banbury!

If you were taught nursery rhymes when you were a child then you probably knew about Banbury before you reached school age! “Ride A Cock Horse To Banbury Cross” was always a popular rhyme and, although you will not see a fine lady on a white horse with rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, you will find plenty more there to capture your attention!

The setting of Banbury is picturesque enough, with the River Cherwell on the doorstep, but it is not best known for its gorgeous views. Instead, Banbury is known for its history and the attractions that are still there today for visitors to tap into. In terms of history, Banbury was a popular and important historical town as far back as the Iron Age. Artefacts from around the year 200 were found in 2002 and foundations and artefacts were discovered from the Roman period around the same time. In fact, it is believed that there was a Roman Villa in Wykham Park. However, it was the English Civil War that made the town famous.

During the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell actually worked out of Banbury. He was rumoured to have planned the Battle of Edge Hill in a local inn, which proves to a popular tourist attraction today. The 1135 built Banbury Castle was also besieged and demolished during the Civil War. However, many of the buildings in the town were still standing until the fire of 1628, and that is the reason why there are few original buildings left.

That is not to say that there are very few tourist attractions there now because that is simply not true. There is still a traditional market held every Thursday and Saturday in Banbury if you want a taste of the traditional life. There is also the Banbury Cross, which dates back to 1859. This was erected to celebrate the marriage of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter. It is a Gothic cross and certainly demonstrates the fashions and trends if the time. There is also a museum and plenty of shops to look at if you just want to stroll around for the day. Whatever you want to do in Banbury, you will find yourself engaged and relaxed by the time you leave!