Bicester (pronounced 'bister') is a town in the Cherwell district of Oxfordshire in England, it has a population of 28,672 (2001 census).

Bicester has a history going back to Saxon times, and is currently one of the fastest growing towns in Oxfordshire. This growth is linked to the proximity to the M40 motorway linking it to Oxford, Birmingham and London. Bicester was recorded in the Domesday book.

The town has a long-standing connection to the military. One of the British army's largest ordnance depots is located just outside the town. The charity Oxfam has its emergency warehouse near Bicester. Bicester is off junction 9 of the M40 motorway. The town has two railway stations; Bicester North and Bicester Town. Bicester North is served by Chiltern Railways train services between London (Marylebone) and Birmingham (Snow Hill). Bicester Town has a branch-line service to Oxford.

The trilogy Lark Rise to Candleford by Flora Thompson was based in the north east of Bicester. Some of the plot was located in the nearby villages Juniper Hill, Hethe and Fringford.

Nearby places include Banbury, Kidlington, Brackley, Buckingham, Oxford, and Witney.

External link

• Bicester town guide (http://www.oxtowns.co.uk/bicester/home.html)

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