A new book published in the autumn which describes – The People Who Made Dunstable
‘They Came to the Crossroads’ navigates through 2,000 years of local events, looking at incomers and their influence on the town. From the Romans to present day, the strategic importance of the Crossroads has shaped the design, development and prosperity of the town.
For almost two thousand years, the Watling Street was the north-west route from London to Chester, through to North Wales.
Dunstable witnessed the legions of the Romans; was on the Danelaw line; became a Norman Priory town, and suffered, often from both sides, during the Wars of the Roses, and Civil War.
Right through to World War II, when American troops and Churchill tanks turned left at the crossroads on their way south to D-Day, the crossroads has borne witness to the most important moments of British history as they happened.
‘They Came to the Crossroads’ looks at those events, and also those who created the businesses, opened shops, became ‘mine host’, entertained us, filled the churches, improved healthcare, and greeted Kings and Queens.
The authors, all experts in their fields, have made this a book to treasure.
The book includes reference to the Theedway history. Which may differ from this article.
Order form (I am afraid I did not publish this promptly so missed the launch date)