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Beautiful buildings - ancient and modern - are still standing proud in Aylesbury
Aylesbury has some proud and beautiful buildings.
In response to last week's Bucks Herald article on the eyesores of Aylesbury, the paper thought it just to highlight some of the town's more eye-catching and picturesque architecture.
The design and conservation manager for AVDC, Paul Acton, has spoken of the wide selection of stunning modern designs which comfortably sit alongside distinguished areas dating from the Middle Ages.
Mr Acton said: "The construction of the stunning new Waterside Theatre is an obvious example of fantastic modern design and although you can't see it at the moment the area directly in front of the theatre is also going to be special."
He listed the Equitable Life building, better known as the Blue Leanie, Station Boulevard, the Bourg Walk, Aylesbury College and the Oculus building as prime examples of attractive modern projects.
In addition, Mr Acton was keen to stress the beauty of the more historic areas of Aylesbury.
The core of the town, including Market Square, the clock tower, Kingsbury, Temple Square and St Mary's Square was designated as a Conservation Area in 1969.
"There are some really stunning historic areas of Aylesbury.
St Mary's Church and the old town date from as far back as the 12th century, then you've got the Market Square, Temple Street and the Crown Court building," he said.
Market Square has been the commercial hub of the town for many centuries. Livestock was auctioned there until 1927 when a new livestock market was created on the site of the current-day cinema complex.
There are a number of statues in Market Square, the most famous being the statue of Benjamin Disraeli, the Earl of Beaconsfield, who lived at Hughendon Manor.
Disraeli faces a bronze statue of Civil War hero, John Hampden, made by Henry C Fehr in 1911. The two 19th century lions made from cast iron are extremely popular with visitors and youngsters.
Special mention has to go to the King's Head pub at the top of Market Square.
The history of the King's Head starts in 1455, with the first reference appearing in a letter between William Wandeford, a London wool merchant, and Ralph Verney, a former master of the London Mercer's Company, dated December 18, 1455.
It refers to the newly built Kyngeshede.
Dominating the south-eastern side of St Mary's Square is the County Museum, home of Aylesbury Grammar School before they moved to their current Walton Road address.
Other areas of historical beauty include Bourbon Street, Rickford's Hill, the Derby Arms, Prebendal House and the Market Square war memorial.
Visitors to Aylesbury witness a seamless mixture of innovative modern design and attractive historical buildings.
What is your favourite building in Aylesbury?
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Weather for Aylesbury
Friday 25 May 2012
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