Banbury: A Century of Change is about how a traditional market town in North Oxfordshire has undergone fundamental changes which have altered its structure and given the place a new vibrancy. The book is a pleasing blend of photographs and recollections. Many of the pictures have been identified by Tom Blinkhorn on behalf of the family business which has been in the town since 1883. The Banbury Guardian newspaper has made extensive use of these images in past times. Brian Little's text reveals the remarkable stories behind the illustrations. By focussing on streets, buildings and influential people, the reader is led to believe that the cockhorse town of cross and rhyme really does have Banburyness. In the pages which follow Brian acts out his role as the local guide and identifies the townscapes within which old buildings exist in sufficient quantity to ensure that Banbury is still an exciting mixture of the past and the present.

Author Biography

BRIAN LITTLE was born in Southampton and came to Banbury in 1961 and has developed an infectious enthusiasm for his adopted town. Most of Brian's working life has been devoted to teaching geography and encouraging a wider interest in the subject through his role as secretary of the Banbury Geographical Association. Brian writes a weekly nostalgia column for the Banbury Guardian and leads guided walks around the town, some in association with Cherwell District Council. He is chairman of the Banbury Historical Society. Brian has written several books about the town and participated in many radio and television programmes concerned with local issues.