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Sights in Kempston
Kempston is a town in Bedfordshire, England. It is situated on the River Great Ouse, 3 miles (5 km) northeast of Bedford. The town has a population of about 20,000 people.
The name Kempston is first recorded in the Kamestantona entry of the Domesday Book of 1086. It is derived from the Old English for “town on the River Cumba”. The river referred to is almost certainly the Great Ouse, and the town’s proximity to it probably gave rise to its name.
In 1205 Kempston was granted a charter by King John. This gave the townspeople certain rights, such as the right to hold a market, which they exercised until the 19th century. The charter also allowed them to elect a portreeve, who was the town’s chief official.
Although there has been much building work in Kempston in recent years, there are still some buildings that date back to the medieval period. These include the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, which was built in the early 13th century, and the Manor House, which was built in the late 15th century.
Kempston is twinned with Bletchley in Buckinghamshire, and Paderborn in Germany.
History of Kempston
Kempston is a town and civil parish in Bedfordshire, England. It lies on the River Great Ouse in the Borough of Bedford. The town has a population of about 20,000 people.
Kempston appeared in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Campestona and was variously written as Kemeston, Kembston and Kempton in historical documents. The name is thought to mean ‘the town on the river bank’.
The River Great Ouse has played an important role in the town’s history. In the 12th century, a Benedictine monastery was built next to the river. The monks used the river to transport stone to build the monastery.
In the 14th century, Kempston became a market town. A weekly market was held on Wednesdays, and annual fairs were also held.
The River Great Ouse also served as a defensive moat around the town. In the 16th century, during the Wars of the Roses, Kempston was twice besieged by Warwick the Kingmaker.
The first recorded use of the name ‘Kempston’ for the town was in 1227, when the monastery was given to St Albans Abbey.
During the Tudor period, Kempston prospered. In 1559, the town had 83 houses and two watermills. In 1609, the town had two parish churches, two market crosses and twoLayout 4 5/9/11 9:09 AM Page 252 elementary schools.
The 18th century was a period of decline for the town. In 1724, the River Great Ouse burst its banks and flooded the town. The Great Fire of Kempston in 1731 destroyed 36 houses.
The 19th century was a period of growth for Kempston. The construction of the Bedford to Oxford Canal in 1811 helped to boost trade and industry. The railway arrived in 1846. The population of the town grew from 1,615 in 1801 to 5,099 in 1901.
Today, Kempston is a thriving town with a wide range of shops and businesses. The Wednesday market still takes place, and there are regular farmers’ markets. The town is also home to a number of pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Vacation in Kempston
Kempston is a town in Bedfordshire, England. The town has a population of about 20,000 people and is located about 10 miles from the city of Bedford. Kempston is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience English culture and history. The town is home to many historical landmarks, including the Grade I listed Church of St Mary the Virgin, which was built in the 12th century. Visitors to Kempston can also enjoy the town’s parks and gardens, shops, and restaurants.
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