Ancient and Modern

We passed through the ancient market town of Olney on our way to the new city of Milton Keynes.
Olney has managed to retain much of the character of an 18th century market town and is justly proud of its conservation of many buildings constructed of local limestone. Our eyes were draw to this amazing display of basketware outside one of the small shops on the main road. There were baskets of all shapes and sizes. So many if these wonderful traditions shops seem to be rapidly disappearing from our town centres.
The town has a 300 year history of bobbin lace making industry but an even longer history of its famous Pancake Race which has taken place on Shrove Tuesday since 1445.