Bicester is a town in north-eastern Oxfordshire, England.  Bicester was first inhabited in the 6^th century, when West Saxons settled in the area.  It grew around the River Bure, and is recorded in the 1086 Doomsday survey as ‘Berencestra’.  Bicester has a long history as a market town.  Its original markets were first established in 1239 and 1441, and the town still hosts a regular market.  In the 18^th century, Bicester became a centre for hiring fairs, and labourers visited the town every October in search of work.  Bicester also has strong links with the military, acting as military headquarters during the English Civil War of 1642-49.  Its First World War airfield became an RAF centre after the war, and is now the location of a gliding club.  Bicester’s growth has been aided by the nearby M40 motorway, which stretches from London to Birmingham.