Winslow's history can be traced through several specific points of reference: a market charter for St Albans Abbey dates from 1235; Keach's Meeting House was built in 1695, and St Laurence preserves fragments of 15th-century wall paintings. The church is also the oldest surviving building in the town and has regular opening hours. A culture-focused stay therefore brings together the town's development, architectural history and church art.
Market Square and Winslow's town history
After a market charter was granted to St Albans Abbey in 1235, Winslow's Market Square was laid out from the church precinct and part of Horn Street. This account of its origins identifies both a point in time and the areas from which the square was laid out. Winslow Market Square lies entirely within the Winslow Conservation Area and is bordered by 13 listed buildings. These details offer two perspectives: the origins of the square and its place within the conservation area, with the buildings around its edge. For travellers interested in historic urban spaces, the market square offers a tangible way to explore Winslow's development.
St Laurence and the wall paintings
St Laurence Church is the oldest surviving building in Winslow. The church contains fragments of 15th-century wall paintings depicting St Thomas of Canterbury and St Christopher. This brings two distinct aspects together: the church is distinguished by its status among the town's surviving buildings, while the paintings depict specific figures. If church art is your main interest, the two subjects offer a clear starting point. If you are more interested in architectural history, the church's status as the oldest surviving building provides another way into Winslow's history.
Church visiting hours
St Laurence Church is normally open every day throughout the year from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. The difference is the opening time: on Sundays, the church opens an hour later, while the stated closing time remains the same. If you include St Laurence in your plans, bear in mind the later Sunday opening time.
Keach's Meeting House as a historical point of reference
Keach's Meeting House was built in 1695. This year marks the construction date of the named building and provides a clear historical time marker. Compared with the market square's history dating from 1235, this is a different point of reference: in one case, the creation of an urban space following the granting of a charter; in the other, the construction of a single building. The Meeting House thus adds a specific aspect of architectural history to the town's story.
The historical details can be distinguished by what they relate to: 1235 dates the market charter; the market square was laid out after it was granted. 1695 is the year Keach's Meeting House was built, while the 15th century is the period to which the wall-painting fragments in St Laurence date. The charter, the layout of the square, the building and the artwork each offer a different way to explore Winslow: urban development, architectural history and visual art. You can use these different historical themes to help choose your focus.
Discover more destinations: Fulmer, Weston Turville, Little Missenden, Penn, Buckingham, Stokenchurch, Mursley, Marlow.
For the overview of the wider area: Buckinghamshire.
