Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England
Town of
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
The town of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire has very early origins; the
first significant population dates back to the
Bronze Age, and excavations have also revealed
traces of an Iron Age hill fort. However, it was not
until the arrival of the Anglo Saxons in 571 AD that
Aylesbury was given its name (originally this was
probably Aiglerburgh). The name itself has been
spelt in numerous different ways over the years; in
the 'History of Aylesbury' by Robert Gibbs a total
of 57 variations are listed!The first market took
place in the 13th Century and the marketplace,
although now reduced in size, remains the focal
point of the town to this day. During the Middle
Ages Aylesbury also had two fairs each year, which
were important events attracting people from all
over Buckinghamshire to buy and sell their wares
The Aylesbury Duck
The Aylesbury Duck is thought to have evolved during the early years of the
18 Century, the result of selective breeding of the common duck. Breeders
were aware that London dealers preferred white plumage, as the feathers were
popular for quilt filling, and the pale pink skin of a plucked white bird was
considered more attractive than the yellow skin of coloured ducks.
Historically Aylesbury Ducks were walked from the Vale of Aylesbury to London, a
distance of some 40 miles.
Throughout the 19th Century the main market for duck meat was provided by the
wealthy people of London, and by 1839 the ducks were transported by rail.
In 1873 the Pekin Duck was brought to Britain from China and the Aylesbury
breed was frequently crossed with it. As a result, the pure breed began to
disappear. You can see the real Aylesbury duck today at Oak Farm Rare Breeds
Park, Broughton near Aylesbury.
If you just want to look try the large duck pond in front of St Mary's Church
in Haddenham, a large village in the southern tip of Aylesbury Vale. Official
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire website:
www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
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