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Newport Pagnell is a modern, thriving market town situated in the North East of Buckinghamshire, at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Ousel (or Lovat). The history of the area dates from the iron age, and the town itself from the Roman period. The town is entered in the Domesday book as 'Newport' - meaning 'new market', and 'Pagnell' comes from the family of Ralph Paganell to whom the manor eventually passed through marriage. The Paganells also founded Tickford Priory, the site of which lies to the East of the town, and is now occupied by Tickford Abbey. The strategic position of the town, commanding the bridges over the two rivers, has greatly influenced it's history and development. For many centuries it has been a centre for transport, and an important staging post for the coaching trade. During the Civil War it was
occupied and fortified by the parliamentary forces, and held as a key position guarding a principal supply route to London. In more recent times the canals and railways have added to the town's importance. Many links with the past still survive. Newport boasts the oldest working iron bridge in the country, and several of the town's hotels and public houses were founded as coaching inns in past centuries. Today Newport Pagnell offers visitors and residents all the amenities of a modern market town. It boasts a large range of sporting and leisure activites, along with a full programme of events throughout the year. From the Summer Festival, through the July Carnival, to the ceremonial switching on of the Christmas lights, the town is always busy. Furthermore, its position adjacent to the M1, close to the new city of Milton Keynes, and in the midst of the Buckinghamshire countyside makes Newport Pagnell an ideal centre to visit.
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