The county of Buckinghamshire (Bucks) has gently rising sandy hills in the north and east, below which stretches the vast fertile Vale of Aylesbury, famous for the raising of Sheep, cattle, pigs, ducks and geese. The county town of Aylesbury is home to the famous Aylesbury Duck, a large plump duck with all white feathers and a distinctive pink bill. In the 16th-c Henry VIII made Aylesbury the official county town over Buckingham, allegedly to curry favour with Thomas Boleyn in order to woo his daughter Anne.
Buckingham Old Gaol © TAB
The south of the county is dominated by the Chiltern Hills, stretching 75 miles across several counties, this ridge of chalk and woodland makes an attractive backdrop. The famous stretch of woodland known as Burnham Beeches lies in the far south of the county, where the River Thames forms the southern boundary.
In the 15th-c the area became know for producing bricks, originally used for in-fill in Timber Framed houses but later used to build grand houses throughout the country.
'A consistent soul believes in destiny, a capricious one in chance.'
County Town: | Aylesbury - distance from London: 43 miles (69 km) |
Nearby Counties: | Berkshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire |
Train Operators: | Chiltern Railways |
Major Roads: | M1, M40 |
Nearest Airport: | London Heathrow (International) |
Highest point: | Coombe Hill, 853 feet (260m) |
Rivers: | Chess, Coln, Ray, Thames, Lovat, Lyde, Ouse, Wye |
County Flower: | Chiltern Gentian |
Local Delicacies: |
Olney
Pancakes - Pancake races have taken place in Olney
every Shrove Tuesday, since 15th Cent. Aylesbury Duck - usually served roasted with orange or apple sauce. |
First Recorded in 1016 as Buccingahamscir, its name means: 'farm of Bucca's people'. The region was inhabited by the Catuvellauni tribe before the Roman occupation. The ancient lcknield Way and Roman Watling Street pass through the county.