Ampthill

Ampthill is a market town and civil parish in Central Bedfordshire that sits along the Greensand Ridge, featuring Georgian buildings and thatched cottages lining its streets. The town serves as a commercial center, offering independent shops, restaurants, and everyday services to residents and visitors.

The town received its market charter from King Henry III in 1219, establishing a trading tradition that would continue for over 800 years. This royal grant allowed the settlement to develop into an important commercial center for the surrounding region.

The weekly market brings together residents, craftspeople, and sellers every Thursday in the town center, serving as a social meeting point for the community. This gathering has shaped how people use and experience the center for hundreds of years.

The location between Bedford and Luton makes it easy to reach, and you can explore most shops and services on foot in the town center. The Georgian buildings and market square provide clear landmarks to help you find your way around.

St. Andrew's Church holds a memorial to Richard Nicolls, the first English governor of New Amsterdam, who came from this Bedfordshire town. This connection shows that significant figures who shaped distant lands sometimes originated from small English market towns.

Location: Central Bedfordshire

Website: http://ampthilltowncouncil.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 52.02630,-0.49060

Latest update: December 20, 2025 14:17