Newmarket

The town is known as a centre for the breeding, training and racing of thoroughbred horses; it is home to two racecourses, about 70 training yards, some 3,000 horses, over 60 stud farms, two equine hospitals, the British Racing School, Tattersalls auction sales, the Jockey Club Rooms, the National Horseracing Museum and racing charities. The Rowley Mile racecourse hosts two British Classic Races. Between them, the two racecourses hold races on 39 days every year, more than any other town in Britain.

Newmarket originated in the early 13th century, when the lord of the manor of Exning was granted a charter to hold a weekly market. During the Tudor period, it served the needs of travellers on the London to Norwich road with a number of inns and alehouses. The town has enjoyed royal patronage since the 17th century, when James I, Charles I and Charles II made Newmarket Palace their base for sporting activities. Until the late 19th century, Newmarket was divided down the middle of the High Street into two parishes: St Mary's in Suffolk to the north and All Saints in Cambridgeshire to the south.