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Royston, a
busy market town, lies in the north-east corner of the county,
on the border with Cambridgshire.
Royston grew up at the intersection
of two ancient thoroughfares: Ermine Street and Icknield Way.
Ermine Street was constructed by the Romans but the prehistoric
Icknield Way said to be 'the oldest road in Britain' was ancient
even before the Romans invaded Britain.
The town takes its name from
the wayside cross erected by Lady Roysia in around 1066.
Hidden beneath the central junction
of the town, at the junction of the two ancient routes, lies
the man-made Royston Cave. Rediscovered by workmen in
1742, the cave has intriguing medieval carving depicting pagan
images and several Christian saints. The
origns of the cave are unknown but legend suggests it was
used for secret meetings of the Knights Templar in the 13th
century.
In the 17th century Royston
was a favourite hunting base for King James I, who built a
hunting lodge there.
Royston boasts some historic
buildings and award-winning gardens for the visitor to see.
The town's facinating history
is detailed at the Royston Museum.
Today, light industry also provides
employment for residents of the market town.
Wimpole Hall, the magnificent
stately home, lies six miles from Royston (in Cambridgeshire).
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Royston
Royston
Cave, Melbourn Street,
Royston, hidden beneath the
pavement, this circular, bell-shaped cave was cut into the 60
m (197ft) layer of chalk which underlies the town. Legend suggests
that in the 13th century it was used as a secret meeting place
by the Knights Templar. Carved with pagan images and several
Christian saints the cave was rediscovered in 1742. Open:
Easter-Sept: Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays, 14:30-17:00 Tel:
01763 242223
