11 Fascinating Banbury Facts
Banbury, a historic market town in Oxfordshire, England, has a centuries-old history. Nestled on the banks of the River Cherwell, Banbury boasts a rich heritage dating back over 2,000 years. From its famous cakes to Oliver Cromwell, from canals to John Craven, and from its well-known nursery rhyme to its bustling market town status, Banbury has captivated the hearts of both locals and visitors for generations. Here are 11 facts about Banbury to sink your teeth into. Read on to find out what’s on in Banbury, UK and quench your curiosity.
What Is Banbury Famous For?
1. Famous nursery rhyme: Possibly the town’s biggest claim to fame is the nursery rhyme with lyrics, “Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross”. Unfortunately, the Banbury Cross described in the nursery rhyme is no longer in the state as described in the rhyme, since it was knocked down by Puritans in July 1600.
2. The Fine Lady statue: There is now a statue of the fine lady mentioned in the nursery rhyme, unveiled in 2005. The bronze statue, a notable Banbury tale, was sculpted in Stoke and cast in Denbighshire, except for the frog on the base, which was made in Birmingham and added later. The fine lady’s sculptors also constructed the statue of Stanley Matthews outside Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium.
3. Banbury cakes: The town is also famous for Banbury Cakes, a currant-filled cake similar to an Eccles cake. These sweet treats have been popular in Banbury, England since they were first made and sold by Edward Welchman from his shop on Parsons Street during the 17th Century. Banbury known for its unique cakes has captivated locals and visitors alike. The sweet treats have been causing headaches for Banbury dentists ever since they were first made and sold by Edward Welchman from his shop on Parsons Street during the 17th Century.
i 
4. Iron age settlement discovery: An Iron Age settlement dating back to 200BC was discovered during excavations for the construction of an office block on Hennef Way in 2002. The site was found to contain 150 pieces of pottery and stone. A later Roman villa was also found at nearby Wykham Park.
5. Centre for chapbooks: Banbury was a centre for cheaply produced children’s stories, known as chapbooks. The saying “Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight” was popularised by one such chapbook.
6. Anthony Burgess teaching years in Banbury: Novelist Anthony Burgess taught at Banbury Grammar School for several years in the 1950s. It was around this time that the author of A Clockwork Orange completed his first full-length play, having moved to nearby Adderbury with his first wife Lynne.
7. Tooley’s Boat Yard: Tooley’s Boat Yard is home to the country’s oldest dry dock, aged more than 200 years old. Writer and biographer Tom Rolt had a canal boat restored there, and embarked on a voyage through England’s waterways that led to their revival. A Banbury Bridge over the Oxford Canal is named after Rolt.
8. John Craven in Banbury: Countryfile presenter John Craven lives in the area, and the former Newsround frontman often presents features for the show from here, further putting Banbury, England on the map.
9. Oliver Cromwell’s key base: Banbury was a key base of operations for Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. He is reputed to have planned the Battle of Edge Hill from the back room of Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn.
10. Banbury Castle demolition: Following a House of Commons petition in 1648, Banbury Castle was largely demolished and the reclaimed materials were used to repair other buildings damaged during the English Civil War.
11. Broughton Castle in films: Broughton Castle has been used as a backdrop in several films, including Shakespeare in Love, The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Madness of King George. Parts of the 1975 Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show and the titles for Noel’s House Party were also filmed there. It also featured in the BBC’s recent six-part adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall.
Is Banbury Worth Visiting?
So how many of our Banbury facts did you know? Whether you were a novice or a student of Burgess himself, you’re sure to be an expert on this corner of Oxfordshire now. You might even have a craving for a Banbury cake as well, and who could blame you? If you’re ever in the area visiting the nearby attractions and historical sites that answer the question, “what is Banbury known for,” be sure to stop by 41 South Bar and say hello – our dental team would love to meet you!
Why Choose Your Local Banbury Dentists At 41 South Bar?
If you’re looking for a private dentist in Banbury, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of dental clinics available. It can be challenging to know what to look for in a dental practice and how to determine which one is right for you.
At 41 South Bar, your affordable private dentist Banbury, is a family-owned practice, run by 2016’s Dentist of the Year, Dr. Tom Donnelly. We provide exceptional care to patients of all ages. Here’s why you should choose Banbury dentists at 41 South Bar and sign up for our comprehensive dental care plans:
- Highly experienced and friendly team
- Wide range of treatments, including Invisalign®, facial aesthetics, and dental implants
- Shorter wait times
- Over 25 years of experience
- Award-winning treatments
- Specialist dentists
We also offer help, advice, and treatment for those who suffer from dental anxiety, with our dental team renowned for helping nervous patients overcome their fear of dentists. Read our article “The ultimate guide to choosing a private dentist in Banbury” for more information.
If you’d like to find out more about us, please get in touch with our team today, or for a closer look at some of our fantastic results, visit our case studies section.
Visit Banbury, explore its rich history, and experience exceptional dental care at 41 South Bar!