Buckden is a thriving and historic village on the A1, midway between Huntingdon and St. Neots.  Its most remarkable feature is Buckden Towers, once a favourite palace of the powerful Bishops of Lincoln, now home to the Claretian missionaries.  The harmonious contrast between its redbrick Great Tower and the yellow-grey stone of the neighbouring church of St. Mary’s has remained miraculously unspoilt over the centuries (although it probably failed to console Catherine of Aragon during her imprisonment here by Henry VIII).

Bishops, basket makers, millers and above all the stagecoaches running day and night between London and the North, made Buckden prosperous.  The evidence is there in its many listed buildings:  the High Street’s four inns, fine residences from the 15th to 19th century, attractive almshouses.  But when the Victorian railway boom killed coach travel, Buckden entered a quiet period, famous only as the first night’s stop for penny-farthing cyclists racing from Knightsbridge to John O’Groats.  Then the growing popularity of the motor-car revived the Great North Road and Buckden flourished again – as an early police speed trap.

After that, things could only improve!  Today its excellent shops, pubs and hotels, good housing, primary school, playgroups, surgery, library and impressive Community Centre make Buckden attractive to visitors and a sought-after place in which to live and work.  Its sporting amenities include football, cricket, tennis and bowls;  Grafham Water, Buckden Marina and the popular Ouse Valley Way are nearby.  Log on to www.buckden village.co.uk for up-to-date information.