Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Houghton Regis has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Houghton Regis.
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Sights in Houghton Regis
Houghton Regis is a town in the Central Bedfordshire district of Bedfordshire, England. It lies on the A5, 20 miles (32 km) north of London. The town has a population of about 33,000, making it one of the largest towns in Bedfordshire.
The town dates back to the 7th century when it was known as Hughepire, and was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Hougestan. In 1214 the town was granted a charter by King John, and in 1266 the town was made a borough.
The name Houghton Regis comes from the Old English for “hughe” meaning “hill” or “mound” and “pirige” meaning “ridge or furrow”.
The town’s coat of arms is made up of three gold lions on a red shield, and is the same as that of the Earls of Huntingdon.
The town has a long history of Gypsies and Travellers, and there are still a number of sites in the town used by Travellers today.
The town has a number of primary and secondary schools, as well as a further education college.
Houghton Regis is twinned with the town of RochefortenTerre in France.
The town has a number of parks and open spaces, including Central Park, which is home to a number of sculptures.
There are a number of historical buildings in the town, including the Grade I listed Church of St Mary the Virgin, which dates back to the 13th century.
Other notable buildings include the Grade II* listed Houghton House, which was built in 1614, and the Grade II listed former town hall, which was built in 1864.
The town has a number of shops, restaurants and pubs, as well as a supermarket and a leisure centre.
Houghton Regis is served by a number of bus services, and by the Luton Airport Shuttle bus service.
The nearest railway station is Leagrave, which is about 2 miles (3 km) away.
Houghton Regis is a town with a long history and a number of interesting sights. Whether you are interested in history, art, or just want to enjoy a quiet day in a park, Houghton Regis has something to offer.
History of Houghton Regis
The area known as Houghton Regis is of great historical significance dating back over two thousand years. The name Houghton derives from the AngloSaxon word hoh, meaning a hill. The early history of the settlement is not well documented but it is generally believed that the first settlers were of the Celtic tribe known as the Catuvellauni.
The Romans arrived in the area in 43AD and established a military camp at Dunstable, just to the south of Houghton Regis. The camp was known as Durocobrivis and was likely used as a base for the Roman legions who were stationed in Britain. The Roman presence in the area continued until around 410AD when the Roman Empire began to collapse and the troops were withdrawn.
The AngloSaxons started to settle in the area from the late 5th century onwards. The settlement at Houghton was known as Hougun and was one of numerous small villages in the area. The village grew and prospered and by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086 it was recorded as having a population of around 200.
Houghton Regis remained a small rural community for centuries, but this all changed with the coming of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century. The discovery of coal and ironstone in the area led to a boom in mining and engineering, and the population of Houghton Regis grew rapidly. The town became an important centre for the manufacture of bricks and tiles, and many of the historic buildings in the town centre date from this period.
The 20th century saw further growth and development in Houghton Regis, with the town becoming a commuter dormitory for London. The population continued to increase and by 2001 it had reached 21,500. The town remains an important part of the central Bedfordshire economy and is currently undergoing regeneration.
Vacation in Houghton Regis
In the county of Bedfordshire, England, Houghton Regis is a small town with a population of just over 33,000 people. Despite its modest size, there is a lot to do in this town and it makes for a great vacation destination.
There are a number of historical landmarks in Houghton Regis, such as the 12th century church of St. Leonard and the 14th century manor house of Eaton Bray. For those interested in more recent history, Houghton Regis was the birthplace of aviation pioneer Sir Frank Whittle, and there is a plaque commemorating him in the town centre.
The nearby Dunstable Downs offer a great spot for hiking, biking, and picnicking, and there are also several golf courses in the area. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy the Houghton Regis Town Centre, which has a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
So whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Houghton Regis has something to offer everyone. With its convenient location just outside of London, it makes for the perfect getaway.
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