Aylesbury

Aylesbury is a town in Buckinghamshire, England, and the administrative centre of the Aylesbury Vale district. It lies on the River Thame, about 33 miles (53 km) northwest of London. The town has a long history, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. The name Aylesbury appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Alesburi,” meaning “the settlement of Ærcel’s people.”

During the Middle Ages Aylesbury grew into a market town. Its market charter dates from 1302, and the annual market and fair have continued for over six centuries. The town’s historic centre is dominated by St Michael’s Church, the 12th‑century Christ Church tower, and the Town Hall which houses a collection of medieval guild records. The former Royal Opera House, now known as the Aylesbury Arts Centre, remains an important cultural venue.

Aylesbury’s economy has evolved from traditional manufacturing and agriculture to services and distribution. The town hosts the Aylesbury Vale Hospital and a number of small businesses, including a regional distribution hub established by the logistics company DB Schenker. The local newspaper, the Aylesbury Mail, has served the community since 1823.

Transport links include the M4 motorway to the west and the M40 to the south, offering access to London and Birmingham. The Aylesbury railway station provides connections to London Marylebone and the Chiltern Railways network. The town is served twice daily by the Royal Flying Corps Andover service.

Aylesbury is home to sports clubs such as Aylesbury United football club and the Aylesbury Town Hockey Club. Notable residents have included the 19th‑century composer Charles Villiers Stanford and the contemporary author Lily Brett. The surrounding Aylesbury Vale is renowned for its picturesque English countryside and the fenland, which support horticultural and agricultural activities.