Myths and Legends

In 1109 King Henry I deliberately created a new town at the ancient crossroads of the Icknield Way and Watling Street. He promised that anyone who lived in the town would have the same privileges as the people of London attracteing many people. He also built a royal residence at Dunstable and founded a priory in 1131. In 1259 Dominican friars, known as black friars because of the colour of their costumes arrived in Dunstable. The king granted the prior control of the town. However he had already promised the townspeople the same freedoms as the citizens of London. As a result there were endless arguments over who ran Dunstable, the prior or the merchants.