In this entertaining book the author identifies each of the old coaching inns which provide ample evidence of Amersham's importance as a stopping place on the great coach road from London to the Midlands. He traces the history of all the town's tanneries and proves that Weller's brewery is much older than previously believed and that its many maltings were selling vast quantities of malt to London brewers in the 17th century. He does not neglect the townspeople themselves, not least the Drakes of Shardeloes who dominated the political, religious and social life of Amersham for 350 years. Here he is able to draw on the unique knowledge of Barney Tyrwhitt Drake, a direct descendant. Julian Hunt's well-researched narrative is both comprehensive and easy to read. Splendidly illustrated, it is a significant contribution to the published history of Buckinghamshire and will be warmly welcomed in and around old Amersham itself.

A history of Amersham

The fascinating history of Amersham, illustrated through old and modern pictures.

An important development in the 20th century, the Metropolitan Railway developed the London suburbs outwards from its base in Baker Street. Amersham was the final frontier of this development, the so-called Metroland with its distinctive 1920's and 30's style housing estates. Amersham is famous for its quaint old town, of which much has been written, but Amersham on the Hill is an important town in modern urban history. This book takes written evidence and the stories of locals to build a picture of the development of his suburban area in the heart of the Chiltern Hills.