To many, Amersham is little more than a satellite town of London; just another part of The Big Smoke’s ever-expanding commuter belt filled with City workers who want to live outside the frantic bustle of the capital. But to those that know Amersham it is so much more.
Situated less than 30 miles from London at the end of the Metropolitan line Amersham is a historical town with much to offer to both residents and visitors alike. The original town, now widely known as Old Amersham, has a history dating back to before the 13th Century and has at its heart the parish church St. Mary’s from this period that sits within verdant parkland that springs to life in explosions of colourful floral each spring.
The other part of the town, Amersham-on-the-Hill, began to expand to dwarf the old town around the beginning of the 20th Century as people and businesses began to settle around the local railway station that connects this quant town to London which is just a short commute away.
There are many highlights to enjoy when you visit Amersham including the Market Square, the ancient Market Hall and the High Street which features some fantastic houses that reflects the styles and trends of more than 500 years of British architecture. This varied architecture has led to Amersham being used as a filming location for many productions, most notably the much loved “Four Weddings and a Funeral” that used the King’s Arms as the setting for the “The Jolly Boatman” pub.
The town motto, “Res gestae, Res futurae” (“things past, things future”) sums up Amersham perfectly; a town with a rich history that is very forward looking. Its cultural heritage is celebrated in the local museum which is housed in a Tudor hall house on the High Street. Exhibits within its ancient walls reflect the rural nature of early Amersham as well as commemorating the Amersham Martyrs’ lives.