A new book will appeal to local history fans as much as it will whet the appetite of those partial to 'a swift half.'
Inns of Stony Stratford has been a labour of love for its authors Bryan Dunleavy, Ken Daniels and Andy Powell, who have traced the history of the watering holes that have greeted weary travellers and refreshed locals over hundreds of years.
The town has a cracking selection of pubs and inns today, of course, but that's nothing new – it's been like that since medieval times.
And over the centuries the town has had more than its fair share of famous visitors - King John spent time here 800 years ago, and Edward I visited too, while accompanying the funeral cortege of his wife, Queen Eleanor.
Edward IV made several visits – on one occasion to meet and marry Elizabeth Woodville from Grafton.
Charles Dickens passed through Stony Stratford too, making observations as he went.
Some of the less reputable of the inns were used for naughty practices, and a fire in 1742 - which began in The Bull - destroyed all of the north side of the town in just one evening.
These and many other stories are shared in the page-turner.
The town also recorded more than a few politically incorrect names among the 85 discovered – while we have no problem with the White Horses, Royal Oaks and Angels among the pack, some names were decidedly sour – the Silent Woman, Fighting Cocks and Black Boy to name three.
Times have changed, but the centuries old practice of being served up a good drink while enjoying some fine company still stays true of this most welcoming of towns.
Sit back and let Inns of Stony Stratford turn back the clock, and give you a new appreciation for the town that is a certain jewel in the local crown.
As for the trio of chaps who put this book together? We raise a glass and say 'cheers' of course!
Get your mitts on a copy: Inns of Stony Stratford is avaiable from Havisham's Tea Room and Odells Ironmongers in the town.
Alternatively purchase online through Amazon or visit Waterstone's at Intu.
