Royston Tourist Information

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.

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, a magnificent stately home, lies six miles from Royston (in Cambridgeshire).