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Hungerford

Although not mentioned in the Domesday Book, by the Middle Ages this old market town was well established. The manor of Hungerford had some distinguished lords, including Simon de Montfort and John of Gaunt. Hungerford’s heyday came in the 18th century when the turnpike road from London to Bath was built, passing through the town. By 1840, the town had eight coaching inns serving the needs of travellers and its prosperity continued with the opening of the Kennet and Avon Canal. The building of the railway took much of that trade away and the town reverted to its early, gentle lifestyle. However, several of the old coaching inns have survived, notably The Bear Hotel (see below). Although it has an impressive Georgian frontage, the building actually dates back to 1494, making it one of the oldest buildings in the town.

An event of great historical importance occurred in December 1688 when William of Orange arrived to stay at The Bear to negotiate with the Commissioners of King James II concerning the future of the monarchy. The result was the Glorious Revolution of 1689, generally accepted as the beginning of true Parliamentary democracy as William and his wife Mary were invited to take the throne by a Protestant Parliament.

As well as still holding a weekly market, the town also continues the ancient tradition known as the Hocktide Festival or Tutti Day (tutti meaning a bunch of flowers). Held every year on the second Tuesday after Easter, the festival was originally used as a means of collecting an early form of council tax. During the colourful event, two men carrying a six-foot pole decorated with ribbons and flowers go around each household collecting the tax. To ease the burden of their visit, the men share a drink with the man of the house, give him an orange, and kiss his wife before collecting their penny payment. Today, however, though the visits are still made, no money is collected but the kisses are still required.

Hungerford lies at the centre of the North Wessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, designated as such in 1972. It stretches from the River Thames in the east to Devizes in the west, Wantage in the north and Andover in the south.