Location
Bucks New University has its headquarters in High Wycombe and a West London campus in Uxbridge.
History and economy
There’s archaeological evidence for a settlement in this area before Roman times. High Wycombe is certainly mentioned in the Domesday Book and became a centre for the production of Buckinghamshire lace and linen cloth during the medieval and Tudor periods. A Parliamentarian stronghold in the Civil War, Wycombe threw its weight behind Oliver Cromwell, although the small battle that was fought in Rye back in 1643 resulted in a victory for the opposing Royalist forces.
By Georgian times, the area was famous for its manufacture of paper and the Wye Valley was full of mills, the last of which closed during the 1990s. Furniture became the dominant industry in the Victorian era, with beech and elm wood from the Chiltern Hills helping to create no fewer than 4,700 chairs every day.
There are now just a few small furniture factories left, as production started to drift away from the area during the 1960s. In common with many towns in the South East of England, Wycombe now has mixed economy based on a number of different industry sectors. (If you're interested in the history of the furniture industry, visit the High Wycombe Electronic Furniture Archive.)
Weighing in with an unusual tradition
The town hosts a unique ceremony each year, when the new mayor of the Borough begins their term of office. The incoming mayor is weighed on a huge set of 19th century scales in full view of the public and their weight is recorded. The outgoing mayor is re-weighed, to see whether or not they have gained any weight at the expense of the town’s taxpayers during their term in office.
Purple Flag
In 2010, High Wycombe was one of only six towns and cities across the UK to be recognised for offering evening visitors an entertaining and safe night out. Purple Flag is a national award for town centres - similar to the Blue Flag for beaches and the Green Flag for green spaces - and is backed by central and local government.
To win Purple Flag status, towns and cities must be welcoming to everyone, offer safe ways for visitors to travel home, provide a good mix of venues and attractions, and appeal to visitors not just at night but during the day too. Purple Flag towns can expect to benefit from lower crime and anti-social behaviour, and more visitors.
The world-class shopping, the globally acclaimed theatres, museums, concert halls and art galleries as well as the diverse nightlife need few words of introduction. What you may not know is that London is also bursting with free special events, festivals and attractions, so as a student you can take advantage of what the capital has to offer.
About Uxbridge Town
With two large shopping centres, The Chimes and The Mall, Uxbridge is among the top ten shopping destinations in London. However it's sometimes easy to forget that Uxbridge itself has a surprisingly generous choice of shops, bars and restaurants. Situated right next to the big name stores are the historic Windsor Street and the Market House, which boast a number of independent shops to explore.
Every Wednesday a craft market is held in The Mall, offering a host of different arts and crafts to suit every taste. A weekly farmers' market is held every Sunday morning, and you can pick up fresh local produce such as fruit and veg, meat and preserves.
As well as the excellent links into the centre of London, there are also some hidden gems dotted around the area, such as the huge Colne Valley Park and the Grand Union Canal - you can, if you are so inclined, walk or cycle down the tow-path all the way to Camden Lock, or even hire a canal boat for the day!
If you're after some cultural pastimes the renowned Beck Theatre in Hayes is also a short bus ride away, which has regular showings of dance, drama, stand-up and musicals.
Visiting Bucks New University
For maps and travel information, please see our Visiting Us section on the website.
About High Wycombe
Situated approximately half way between London and Oxford, High Wycombe is the second largest town in Buckinghamshire. High Wycombe is bustling with shops, bars, clubs, restaurants and a thriving theatre. It’s also a market town, as shown by the busy stalls that crowd the high street three days a week – a tradition stretching right back to the 12th century.History and economy
There’s archaeological evidence for a settlement in this area before Roman times. High Wycombe is certainly mentioned in the Domesday Book and became a centre for the production of Buckinghamshire lace and linen cloth during the medieval and Tudor periods. A Parliamentarian stronghold in the Civil War, Wycombe threw its weight behind Oliver Cromwell, although the small battle that was fought in Rye back in 1643 resulted in a victory for the opposing Royalist forces.
By Georgian times, the area was famous for its manufacture of paper and the Wye Valley was full of mills, the last of which closed during the 1990s. Furniture became the dominant industry in the Victorian era, with beech and elm wood from the Chiltern Hills helping to create no fewer than 4,700 chairs every day.
There are now just a few small furniture factories left, as production started to drift away from the area during the 1960s. In common with many towns in the South East of England, Wycombe now has mixed economy based on a number of different industry sectors. (If you're interested in the history of the furniture industry, visit the High Wycombe Electronic Furniture Archive.)
Weighing in with an unusual tradition
The town hosts a unique ceremony each year, when the new mayor of the Borough begins their term of office. The incoming mayor is weighed on a huge set of 19th century scales in full view of the public and their weight is recorded. The outgoing mayor is re-weighed, to see whether or not they have gained any weight at the expense of the town’s taxpayers during their term in office.
Purple Flag
In 2010, High Wycombe was one of only six towns and cities across the UK to be recognised for offering evening visitors an entertaining and safe night out. Purple Flag is a national award for town centres - similar to the Blue Flag for beaches and the Green Flag for green spaces - and is backed by central and local government.
To win Purple Flag status, towns and cities must be welcoming to everyone, offer safe ways for visitors to travel home, provide a good mix of venues and attractions, and appeal to visitors not just at night but during the day too. Purple Flag towns can expect to benefit from lower crime and anti-social behaviour, and more visitors.
About Uxbridge
Uxbridge has excellent road and rail links with Central London. Uxbridge Campus is only about five minutes walk from Uxbridge underground station, and it usually takes less than forty-five minutes to reach all of London’s attractions.The world-class shopping, the globally acclaimed theatres, museums, concert halls and art galleries as well as the diverse nightlife need few words of introduction. What you may not know is that London is also bursting with free special events, festivals and attractions, so as a student you can take advantage of what the capital has to offer.
About Uxbridge Town
With two large shopping centres, The Chimes and The Mall, Uxbridge is among the top ten shopping destinations in London. However it's sometimes easy to forget that Uxbridge itself has a surprisingly generous choice of shops, bars and restaurants. Situated right next to the big name stores are the historic Windsor Street and the Market House, which boast a number of independent shops to explore.
Every Wednesday a craft market is held in The Mall, offering a host of different arts and crafts to suit every taste. A weekly farmers' market is held every Sunday morning, and you can pick up fresh local produce such as fruit and veg, meat and preserves.
As well as the excellent links into the centre of London, there are also some hidden gems dotted around the area, such as the huge Colne Valley Park and the Grand Union Canal - you can, if you are so inclined, walk or cycle down the tow-path all the way to Camden Lock, or even hire a canal boat for the day!
If you're after some cultural pastimes the renowned Beck Theatre in Hayes is also a short bus ride away, which has regular showings of dance, drama, stand-up and musicals.
Visiting Bucks New University
For maps and travel information, please see our Visiting Us section on the website.
