The nursery rhyme, 'Ride a Cock Horse', has made Banbury one of the best-known towns in England. It has been suggested that the 'Fine Lady' of the nursery rhyme may have been Lady Godiva, wife of Leofric of Coventry, famous for her ride, allegedly naked, through that city. It is more likely to have been a local girl riding in a traditional May Day procession. The original cross was pulled down at the end of the 16th century. The present cross was erected in 1859 to celebrate the wedding of the then Princess Royal to Prince Frederick of Prussia. 

The name Banbury is said to be derived from 'Banna', a local Saxon lord who is said to have settled there in the 6th century. The Doomsday Book has an entry for 'Banesberie' (Banbury).

In the 13th century it had grown to become an important wool trading centre. The great fire of 1628  destroyed many buildings, although some still survive to the present day.

The opening of the Oxford Canal in 1790 connecting Banbury with the Midlands bought new industries and growth which continued with the arrival of the railways.

The opening of the M40 in 1990 now provides easy access by road to the Midlands, the North and London.  Today Banbury is a very attractive, thriving market town, with excellent shopping including small and independent shops as well as well known High Street stores.

Apart from the Cross, Banbury is also noted for its Banbury Cakes which can be bought at the various bakeries in the town.  At one time these little fruit and spice cakes were exported all over the world. 

Market days are Thursdays and Saturdays, the market being right in the centre of the shopping area.  You can find almost anything or everything for sale; there are stalls selling fruit, vegetables, CD's, clothes, gifts, plants, coffee, hardware, handbags, pet food.....!  In the narrow, cobbled streets surrounding the market square you will find several excellent coffee shops where you can taste the famous Banbury Cakes.

One of Banbury's most attractive features as a destination has to be it's location, on the edge of the Cotswolds and the Cherwell Valley, a most beautiful area of England.