Ampthill Town
Ampthill has a rich history that is just waiting to be discovered. The Market Square, Ampthill Park, Houghton House and St. Andrew’s Church are just a few of Ampthill’s gems! Much of the town’s unique charm is owed to the residents of Ampthill Park House. Lord Upper Ossory reorganised the layout of the Market Square, built the charming thatched Ossory Cottages and erected the Katherine Cross. Lord Ossory’s nephew, Lord Holland, endowed the town with its fine avenue of lime trees, known as the Alameda (Grade II listed).
Look out for the historic town clock, presented to the town by Lord Ossory in 1787 and rebuilt by the Duke of Bedford in 1852. The Town Pump is a small but significant feature – located in the centre of Ampthill, it serves as a milestone, each of its four faces being identified by the name of the towns to which the four roads of the Market Place lead.
There has been a market in Ampthill since Henry III granted a charter for a weekly market in 1219. This means that in 2019 the Market celebrated its 800th anniversary! The market is held every Thursday from 8.00am in the town centre car park. It’s a great place to buy home baked goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, olives, cheese and household items to name a few. Look out for ever-popular bric-a-brac stall selling second hand books, DVDs, jewellery, baby clothes and toys. The craft market is held every 3rd Thursday in Market Square.