Ampthill Ampthill

Ampthill - Definition

Ampthill is a small town in Bedfordshire, England, between Bedford and Luton, with a population of about 6,000. It is administered by Mid Bedfordshire District Council. A regular market has taken place on Thursdays for centuries.

Ampthill Castle was a site of some importance - Katherine of Aragon lived there in 1533, while she was awaiting her trial. The castle no longer exists.

John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress was written loosely based on his journey between Bedford and Luton jails. Ampthill was the model for Vanity Fair and (now ruined) Houghton House for house beautiful.

Notable 20th century architect Sir Albert Richardson lived in Ampthill from 1919 until his death in 1964 at Avenue House, 20 Church Street. Among his last projects was the building housing Mid Bedfordshire District Council (formerly the Ampthill Rural District Council offices), at 12 Dunstable Street (1963-1965).

Geography

Ampthill is located at 52°02'00" North, 00°30'00" West (52.0333, -0.5000)1.

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