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Local Information for Dunstable

Dunstable is a town in the county of Bedfordshire, with a population of 33,805 (2001 census). It lies on the eastward tail spurs of the Chiltern Hills. These form several steep chalk escarpments most noticeable when approaching Dunstable from the north.

Prior to the Local Government Act 1972 coming into force in 1974 Dunstable was a municipal borough. It is now a civil parish in the South Bedfordshire district.

Dunstable lies on a crossroads of the ancient Roman road of Watling Street, which is the modern A5 trunk road, and the even older Icknield Way. In Roman times its name was Durocobrivis. There are two theories concerning its modern name. Firstly there was a famious robber, Dunn, who gave his name to the town, Dunns stable. The Second is that it comes Ifrom Anglo-Saxon Dunstaple, meaning "Hill Market".

One of the reasons for the towns prosperity, and the large number of Inns or public houses in the town is the fact that it was one days ride from London, ...More