Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire, England

This week I've decided it's time to post another installment of our trip to England in 1999.  Last year, I wrote about London, The Bellows Mill Hotel, and Stratford Upon Avon.  My husband was working on a computer software installation for his company, and I was able to travel to England and Ireland with him in the early spring of 1999.  It was a trip I'll never forget.

The company my husband works for has a  facility here in our town, as well as in Leighton Buzzard, England and Kilkeel, Northern Ireland.  Leighton Buzzard was a cute town; not in the least like the villages in the Cotswolds or the coastal regions.  Still, it had its own brand of charm and unique architecture.

The Swan Hotel on High Street, pictured above, is where my husband stayed on previous visits to Leighton Buzzard.  The Swan dates to the 16th century and was originally a drinking parlor.  It then became the town's main post house and coaching inn. 

Leighton Buzzard is a market town in Bedfordshire, England, close to Aylesbury, Dunstable, and Milton Keynes.  Leighton Buzzard -- an odd name for a town, don't you think?  Then again, we have a town here in North Carolina called "Whynot."  Bizarre, but true.  :)

It is thought that the name Leighton comes from the old English word Leahtun meaning a farm in a clearing in the woods.  Buzzard is derived from Theobald de Busar, a clergyman who served in the diocese of which Leighton was a part.  Leighton Buzzard is mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, where it is referred to as Lestone.  The Domesday Book mentions that Lestone had a market, which is still held in Leighton Buzzard today.

The market cross (above) is thought to date from the mid-15th century, where it probably replaced an earlier structure, almost certainly on the same site.  But even older than the market cross and the market in 1086, "...there is evidence that people have been living in and around the area currently occupied by Leighton Buzzard since Saxon times. Pottery and jewelry from the sixth century have been excavated in the town and earthworks have been found which are believed to date back to Roman times."  source  

All Saints Church in Leighton Buzzard was built in 1277, and its 190-foot spire in the above picture can be seen from many parts of town.

Can you see the gargoyle on the the church in the picture below?

I found a really pretty picture of the church online.

source

We took pictures of some of the houses around the town...

 

I love the lace curtains in these windows.

Notice all the chimney pots on the houses...

Pretty house and stone wall...

This building is called the "White House."  It was originally a private residence, but it's now used as offices and home to the Leighton-Linslade Town Council.

The post office, above, was originally Leighton Buzzard's first, purpose-built school (1790).  The post office moved to the building in 1884.

The war memorial, which you can see in the background behind these cars, honors Leighton Buzzard veterans from World War I and World War II.

No self-respecting British town would be without a public house (or two) where people can gather for a pint (or two)  :)  at the end of the day.  The Black Lion dates from the 19th century, but the building had previously been used as a pub.  In the 17th century it was The Bullhead, and in the mid 1700's it was the Pig and Sow.

source

Above is a much more recent picture of The Black Lion -- definitely has more charm, don't you think?

Above is The Golden Bell as it looked when we were there in 1999.

source

...and these are more recent pictures of the pub.

source

Isn't it charming with all the flower boxes, new sign, and benches out front?  I would have made a point to visit if it had looked liked this when we were there.

This building is not a pub; it's the Martini Italian Restaurant, and Mr. Forest Manor and I enjoyed a wonderful meal there.  The above picture shows how the exterior of the restaurant looked in March 1999; I think that's probably our rental car parked out front.

The picture below is the restaurant today.  It looks like they've had a fresh paint job, and again, added pretty hanging flower baskets.  You can see more pictures of the Martini Restaurant here; the building itself dates back 400 years.  In reading the website, it appears that they've changed owners since we visited, which isn't too surprising as it's been 15 years since we were there.

source 

It makes me kind of sad to look back at this picture; it feels like such a long time ago.  That was a fun evening, and a delicious meal.  The owners at that time were Martini and Roberto, and they were so cute.  :-D  When we ordered dessert, Roberto informed us that there was only coffee, no cappuccino because the cappuccino machine had gone "Poof," which was said with arms thrown into the air in a general expression of disgust.  We took this to mean the machine had broken (but hopefully hadn't exploded).   :)

I loved the pretty pink linens and pink candles at each table -- made it feel like a really special dining experience.

This was such a charming restaurant.  The food was really good, and it was a fun evening because Martini and Roberto were such funny characters.  I was really lucky to be able to take that trip with my husband; I'll always have such good memories of my visit to England.

Have you ever been to England?  If so, I'd love to hear about your trip.  There are so many places there that I'd love to see.  Thank you for your visit and for reading me today.  :)

I'm joining The Tablescaper for "Oh, The PLACES I've Been."    
The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays


Denise

*All pictures in this post were taken by me unless otherwise noted.  The pictures I found online include a link to their sources.*