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Pictures of Ampthill
About Ampthill
The lovely town of Ampthill lies sheltered by hills in the sandstone belt of Bedfordshire. It is an historic place with roots stretching back into the mists of time. The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, it translates 'ant heap' or ant hill. However, neither translation seems appropriate for such a picturesque, historic place.
A market charter was granted to the town by King Henry III in the 13th-century, and today the market held in Ampthill every Thursday, is a ively, colourful event attracting folk from miles around.
The town is famous for its connections with Royalty which began after the Battle of Agincourt in the 15th-century when Sir John Cornwall built a castle fit for his bride who was the sister of Henry IV. Later the castle was to become the home of tragic Katherine of Aragon, first of Henry VIII's six queens, and the woman he divorced for Anne Boleyn. It was whilst being kept prisoner at Ampthill Castle that Katherine heard the news of the divorce, she was later moved to Kimbolton. The castle fell into ruin during
the 17th-century, Charles II gave the surrounding land to the powerful Ashburnham family, who built the present house in 1694. The site of the castle is marked by a stately memorial cross, which bears Horace Walpole's dedication "to the mournful refuge of an injured Queen" inscribed at the base. Ampthill House remains private but the picturesque park with its many ancient oak trees is open to the public.
A walk around the village reveals an astounding number of architectural gems. There are houses ranging from the Tudor period, through to the 18th and 19th-century, as well as interesting conversions of the modern day. There are beautiful timber-frame thatched cottages, and memorable Georgian homes. The outstanding White Hart was once a former coaching inn. Over two hundred properties in the village are listed and preserved for their historic merit, these include 15th-century almshouses in Church Square.
The graceful church dedicated to St.Andrew dates 10th-century. It is an awe-inspiring structure, particularly notable for the stunning marble memorial commemorating the life of Colonel Richard Nicholls, whose family once owned Ampthill Park and who gave New York its name. He served with the Duke of York, and was given the task of capturing the Dutch Colonial City of New Amsterdam, Long Island. After attacking the Dutch with threats of destroying their fort, they quickly surrendered, thus the town was named for the Duke, and Nicholls became the first colonial governor of New York. Richard Nicholls was later killed in the Battle of Solway Bay in 1672, he was hit by a Dutch cannon ball.
Ampthill has literary connections, the writer John Bunyan was a frequent visitor to Houghton House, now naught but a romantic ruin. It was however believed to be the model upon which Bunyan based his novel, House Beautiful. Bunyan is mostly remembered for his preaching and for Pilgrims Progress, there is a statue of him in Bedford. Houghton House, although a ruin is cared for as an ancient monument by English Heritage, the staircase in the house was said to be the work of Sir Christopher Wren.
The town is surrounded by spacious countryside, where there are several wildlife country parks, and plenty of places of historic interest. Maulden Wood, an ancient woodland lies to the north-east of the town and offers pleasant walks with pretty picnic areas.
Visitors to the town will find pleasing shops, welcoming inns and a friendly atmosphere. Add town to favourites
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All attractions in AmpthillAll attractions in BedfordshireComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandHotels & Accommodation in Ampthill |  Menzies Flitwick ManorChurch Rd, Flitwick, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England (2.4 miles, 3.8 km, direction S)
Menzies Flitwick Manor is a luxurious country house hotel, with 17 individually furnished bedrooms. The restaurant at Menzies Flitwick Manor is rated as one of the finest in the country. Nestling ...
More info and book online.. Price from £99.00 |  | Express By Holiday Inn BedfordElstow Interchange A6/A421 Bedford Bypass Junction, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England (5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction N)
This is a contemporary and modern hotel, offering stylish and affordable accommodation, located just south of Bedford, a short drive from the A1 and M1 motorways....
More info and book online.. Price from £54.00 |  | Best Western Moore Place HotelThe Square, Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England (5.8 miles, 9.3 km, direction W)
This delightfully restored Georgian manor house was originally built by Francis Moore as a family home in 1786. Set in the square of a tranquil and picturesque village, yet less than 5 minutes drive f...
More info and book online.. Price from £50.00 |  |  The Bell Hotel & Inn21 Bedford St, Woburn, Buckinghamshire, England (6.0 miles, 9.6 km, direction SW)
The Bell Inn situated in the charming village of Woburn is a delightful mixture of Tudor,Georgian and Victorian architecture and has been carefully restored by its present owners to retain and emphasi...
More info and book online.. Price from £29.00 |  | The Barns Hotel (Form. Corus Hotel Bedford)Cardington Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England (7.1 miles, 11.5 km, direction NE)
The Barns Hotel is situated in a beautiful riverside location, within 3.5 acres of landscaped gardens, yet just 10 miles from the M1 and 8 miles from A1. The tranquil setting offers views of the g...
More info and book online.. Price from £57.00 |
More Ampthill hotels...Nearby travel help| Flitwick Station | (1.6 miles, 2.6 km, direction S) | | Millbrook (Bedfordshire) Station | (2.2 miles, 3.6 km, direction NW) | | M1 Junction 13 | (4.6 miles, 7.4 km, direction W) | | M1 Junction 12 | (5.2 miles, 8.4 km, direction S) | | London Luton Airport | (12.0 miles, 19.3 km, direction SE) | | Cambridge Airport | (31.0 miles, 49.9 km, direction NE) | | Ampthill to London | (39.5 miles, 63.5 km, direction SE) |
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