We are
Dunstable &
Leighton Buzzard

Dunstable is one of England’s oldest market towns and has a remarkable history stretching back to Roman times. The town is perhaps most famous for its connection to King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. In 1533, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer held the court at Dunstable Priory which declared Henry’s marriage to Catherine invalid, a decision that changed the course of English history and ultimately led to the English Reformation. Dunstable is also known for the Eleanor Cross, one of a series of memorial crosses commissioned by King Edward I in memory of his wife, Queen Eleanor of Castile. Although the original cross no longer survives, its location remains an important part of the town’s history. Another significant discovery linked to the town is the Swan Jewel, a beautifully crafted medieval jewel dating from around 1400. Found in Dunstable in 1965, it is considered one of the finest examples of medieval jewellery ever discovered in Britain and is now held by the British Museum. The town sits on the route of Watling Street, one of the most important Roman roads in Britain, and has been an important centre for travellers and trade for centuries. Today, Dunstable is also known for Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade Zoo, its historic charter market heritage, vibrant community and its position as the gateway to the Chiltern Hills.