Dunstable Through The Ages

Dunstable the Market Town

Dunstable is situated on the A5 just west of Luton.  For centuries it has been a market town on a major link route to the Midlands and beyond.  In 1131, King Henry 1st allowed regulated markets in the town and today there are 3 markets a week.  The town grew to prominence between the 12th and 14th centuries with the priory being the driver of development in and around the town.



The Romans used Dunstable as a stopping point, and from those early days it has been used as an important staging post.  Today the town has built up around the A5 and there are numerous restaurants, pubs and cafes that have been developed to cater for the passing trade, as well as its many inhabitants.  In addition, distribution and storage businesses have made good use of the town’s excellent communication links with the M1 motorway, running between Dunstable and Luton.

Picking up on the town’s excellent communications the London 2012 Olympic committee have chosen Dunstable to be part of the route taken by the infamous Olympic torch.  The exact date of the visit is as yet not known but rumour has it sometime between 19th May and the 21st July are some dates to watch.  The town is currently seeking ideas for local people to carry the torch through Dunstable.



The development of Luton in the 19th and 20th centuries, as a result of the development of the motor car industry and printing, saw Dunstable and its immediate economy decline in relation to its next door neighbour.  However, in the 1960’s the College in Dunstable was established: this was followed by the magistrate’s court in 1963 and in 1975 the Health Centre was created.   The development of the Grove Theatre complex in recent times has added to the dynamic in Dunstable and it still remains an attractive market town.



As far as industry is concerned the town continues to develop around businesses looking to utilise the good communication network.  Self storage and workspace have been developed in the town and this has helped businesses develop a flexible approach to their own development and growth.  In addition this has assisted with the establishment of small businesses who have used the flexible terms to meet their own requirements. The nature of self storage facilities themselves enable small businesses to grow without encountering the major overheads brought about by leasing or buying business premises.  While, at the same time, removing the need for stock and equipment to be stored at home: for businesses in Dunstable and Luton self storage is a bit of a saving grace