High Wycombe is often looked upon as the archetypal, provincial town – a suburban satellite of London with little history of note. Such a viewpoint is far from the truth as it is Buckinghamshire’s second largest town and has a rich heritage stretching back over 2,000 years. First recorded as ‘Wicumun’ in AD 970, it became a market borough in 1222 and in subsequent centuries its industries included the production of lace, linen, paper and furniture. In more recent times, the town was home to RAF Bomber Command from 1940 to 1968.

In High Wycombe in 50 Buildings local author Eddie Brazil charts the town’s architectural lineage showing how it has developed over the centuries. In doing this he also reveals much about the history, the people and their way of life. Although it has expanded, with new developments stretching over its surrounding hills, the centre of Wycombe and its valley still have many buildings that show the rich heritage of the town through the Iron Age, Middle Ages, Georgian and Victorian eras, right up to the present day.