Ampthill in 1835

Ampthill, 45 miles from London, and 8 from Bedford, has an inconsiderable market, and one annual fair. It has a good market-house ; and near the middle of the town stands in obelisk of Portland stone, in which is a pump. Near the town is Ampthill House, the seat of Lord Holland. Ampthill Castle, which stood in the park of Ampthill House, was the residence of Catherine of Aragon, queen of Henry VIII, while the business of her divorce was pending. The site of the castle is marked by a cross erected in 1773 by the Earl of Upper Ossory, who then possessed the domain.

With Ampthill Park is united Houghton Park, in which are the remains of Houghton House, built by the Countess of Pembroke sister of Sir Philip Sidney. There is an almshouse for a reader, twelve poor men, and four poor women, about a mile from Ampthill. Divisional or petty sessions are held at Ampthill every alternate Thursday.