Just off the Street

The King’s Head
This building is an historic ancient coaching inn in the heart of Aylesbury and one of the best preserved in England. In the 15th century and beyond it was alive with the bustle of people in transit, horses and coaches. Its archways and yard join two streets, Market Street and George Street, in the heart of the historic market town, bypassed by many in their day to day lives, some barely aware of its existence at all.
Dating back to 1455, the building has many fascinating architectural features, including rare stained-glass windows, exposed wattle and daub and the original stabling for the inn. Beautiful beams and wooden floors are found in The Farmers’ Bar which is owned and run by the local Chiltern Brewery, serving fine English ales, bottled beers, Rothschild wines and a hearty lunch. With your drink in hand you can retire to one of the comfy sofas, old wooden benches or sit out in the ancient cobbled courtyard surrounded on all sides by old stables, the Great Hall and the ancient arch where coaches used to enter.

It is now a National Trust property and hosts the Tourist Information Centre; it is well worth a visit. I have been to a magical outdoor production of 'Romeo and Juliet' held in the courtyard, but that was many years ago and I haven't heard of anything similar happening there in recent years.

As I was taking my images, I had a very pleasant conversation with one gentleman about the many merits of Nikon cameras - he is a Nikon owner too! A camera and a dog get you into many a conversation! (Dog not present on this occasion.)