The market town of Banbury, Oxfordshire's second largest settlement, has Saxon roots. The name itself comes from the Saxon chief Banna who built a stockade in the 6th century (a burgh). However, it's location on at the junction of two ancient Iron Age roads means that settlements in the area date back to 200BCE at least.
During the Middle Ages Banbury became prosperous due to the wool trade. During the Civil War, Banbury was an important Parliamentary forces base, though the castle was Royalist. A gunpowder producing industry using saltpetre from nearby King's Sutton developed during the war. After the war the town became a centre for religious dissent.
The Oxford Canal reached Banbury in 1779, and remains a centrepiece of the town. The railway reached Banbury in 1850.
