Discover Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Dunstable, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dunstable,_The_Clock_Tower_and_Market_Cross_-_geograph.org.uk_-_145452.jpg
Author: Nigel Cox


Dunstable is a market town in Bedfordshire, England, about 30 miles to the north of London. The town has a population of 35,000 people (2012 estimate).

Dunstable dates back to Roman times, when it was named Durocobrivis. Human habitation goes back even further, into the Stone Age. There was already a settlement here when the Romans built a road passing through it. That road becomes today's Watling Street, otherwise known as the A5 road.

Dunstable was largely forested until the 12th century, when King Henry I encouraged settlers to move in. He also established Dunstable Priory in 1131. That was where King Henry VIII later divorced Catherine of Aragon, leading to the founding of the Church of England.

Dunstable remained an important market town in the 19th century, though it was somewhat eclipsed by Luton, which grew more rapidly.

Dunstable Priory: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DunstablePriory.JPG
Author: JohnArmagh

Visiting Dunstable

Dunstable can be easily reached on the M1 motorway. Turn off at Junction 9 and continue on the A5 road heading northwest until you reach the town.

Places of Interest in Dunstable