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Aylesbury Leasing

Did You Know?

Aylesbury is a busy market town located close to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Perhaps best known for producing the 'tastiest' duck dishes in the 19th century. The selective breeding for size, shape and colour led to the town's duck being named.

However Medieval Aylesbury was an administrative center. Because of its weekly market, it served as a focal point for the surrounding villages. From the 13th century, it also had 2 fairs. In the Middle Ages fairs were like markets but they were held only once a year for a few days. People would come from all over Buckinghamshire to buy and sell at the fair.

Shortly before she became Queen, the Duchess of York opened the extensions to the Royal Bucks Hospital, Aylesbury, in October 1936.

The first market took place in the 13th Century and the marketplace, although now reduced in size, remains the focal point of the town to this day. During the Middle Ages Aylesbury also had two fairs each year, which were important events attracting people from all over Buckinghamshire to buy and sell their wares.

William the Conqueror owned some lands in Aylesbury. When he visited the market or town, the citizens living in this country should provide the best quality material of him. They have to provide sweet herbs to his chamber, straw for his monarch bed, 3 eels and two green geese for his table.

The heraldic crest displays the Aylesbury duck, which has been bred here since the birth of the Industrial Revolution, although only one breeder, Richard Waller, of true Aylesbury ducks remains today.

The Market Square has several important buildings including the Corn Exchange which was opened in 1865, and the 18th Century County Hall and Courthouse. A balcony, now removed, was used to publicly execute criminals. Luckier modern defendants have included Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, but the most famous trial in Aylesbury's history took place in the Council Chamber at Walton Street, where the Great Train Robbers were convicted in 1963/4.

Aylesbury was declared the new county town of Buckinghamshire in 1529 by King Henry VIII. Aylesbury Manor was among the many properties belonging to Thomas Boleyn, the father of Anne Boleyn, and it is rumoured that the change was made by the King to curry favour with the family.

Tony Hadley - singer with Spandau Ballet, does a bit of radio work as well. Lives in Aylesbury.