An unashamed plug for a new book about Medieval Dunstable
Early Dunstable in Maps and Pictures
by Barry Horne and Brian Dix with illustrations by David Hornby and Vanessa Hornby.
The book uses the results of excavation and documentary research to tell the story of the early town. It includes maps of what the town may have looked like when it was "planted" by Henry I about 1100 and again in 1132 when the Augustinian Priory was established.
Map and documentary evidence suggests that a very early windmill was incorporated into Dunstable when it was carved out of Houghton Regis. This evidence is presented.
Brian Dix contributes a chapter about the Great Orchard of Dunstable Blackfriars which was excavated in the 60s, 70s and 80s and found to consist of 288 large cross-shaped holes, each 11 feet across, dug into the chalk bedrock. These holes were arranged in four areas, each 200 feet by 100 feet. He explains the religious significance of the crosses and of the 400 foot long feature called the Buttress Trench which runs alongside the areas of crosses. The Dunstable Blackfriars Great Orchard is unique. Specially commissioned paintings show what it may have looked like.
50 A4 pages with 57 illustrations.
Copies of this full-colour publication are available from Barry Horne, Beaumont, Church End, Edlesborough, Dunstable, Beds. LU6 2EP. Price £12 + £2 p+p
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