Culture
The Birth of Britain's Motorsport Valley
From post-war airfields to global dominance, discover how North Oxfordshire became the beating heart of world-class automotive engineering and motorsport innovation.
Discover the Best of Banburyshire
Explore the latest stories and local news and deep dives into the history of the Banbury region.
Latest stories
8 stories from across Banburyshire.
Culture
Aunt Sally and the Evolution of the British Pub Game
Discover the history of Aunt Sally, from its dark Victorian origins to its modern role as a beloved pub sport tradition.
History
Edgehill, England’s Only ‘Officially’ Haunted Battlefield
In the winter of 1642, the villagers of Radway witnessed a supernatural phenomenon so terrifying it required a Royal Commission. Explore the deep history of Edge Hill, where the ghosts of the English Civil War were once recorded as a matter of state record.
Culture
The Original Banbury Cake
Is it a mince pie, an Eccles cake, or something entirely unique? Discover the royal history of the Banbury Cake: a spiced, boozy, and flaky pastry that has been exported from our town for over 400 years.
History
The History and Culture of Banbury Michaelmas Fair
Step back in time to discover the "Mop" traditions of Banbury. From medieval hiring fairs and the "hiring shilling" to the modern-day Golden Key ceremony, explore the deep-rooted culture of the Michaelmas Fair.
History
The Fascinating History of Banbury’s Four Crosses
Discover the true story behind the nursery rhyme. From the mysterious 'Fine Lady' on her white horse to the 1600s religious riot that levelled the town’s original monuments, Banbury Cross is more than just a landmark and it’s a tale of royal weddings, lost history, and Puritan rebellion.
History
Banbury’s WWI Munitions Factory
Hidden beneath the fields of Grimsbury lies the skeletal remains of National Filling Factory No. 9, a site once so vital to the war effort that it became a target for the Luftwaffe. From the dangerous production of mustard gas to the story of the "Canary Babies" born with chemically tinted skin, this forgotten landmark tells a powerful story of Banbury’s frontline contribution to the World Wars.
News
Welcome to Banburyshire
Banburyshire.com is a home for the stories, places and people that shape Banbury and its surrounding towns and villages. From history and local traditions to community life and hidden gems, we are building a shared guide to one of Britain’s most characterful regions.