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Amersham, Buckinghamshire travel guide A guide to Amersham, Buckinghamshire, England, highlighting attractions, history, and visitor information. |
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AmershamAmersham is divided into two sections, Old Amersham (more properly called "Amersham") and Amersham on the Hill. The latter is a relatively modern development occasioned by the arrival of the Metropolitan Railway line in the 1890s. At the base of the hill is Old Amersham, which has been rightly described as a "charming old town". Amersham existed as far back as the 8th century, and the Domesday Book lists no fewer than 6 manors in the area, one belonging to the wife of Edward the Confessor. The High Street is a delight, with historic buildings covering a wide variety of periods lining the broad roadway. Of particular note are the rows of 17th and 18th century buiildings, and the town hall, rising on arches in the centre of the High Street. There are also a row of small almshouses. On the hill above Amersham a monument known as The Martyrs' Memorial marks the spot where religious dissenters were burnt at the stake under Queen Mary. The cast of the Martyrs Community Play lead walks to the monument every Saturday starting from the Museum. The walk guides tell the story of the Martyrs and life in Amersham in the early 16th century. Amersham hosts an annual Charter Fair for two days each September. The fair has its roots in a charter granted in 1200 by King John. The Amersham Museum (see contact info below) hosts regular guided walks through Amersham Old Town. The museum itself is housed in a half-trimbered merchant's hall dating from the 15th century. Within the hall are exhibits tracing the history and archaeology of the area, including medieval wall paintings, lacemaking, costumes, fossils, and local crafts. Amersham
Museum BUCKINGHAMSHIRE FEATURE
Text © David Ross and Britain Express 2001 | Accommodation
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