Luton
Luton (/ˈluːtən/ ⓘ)[7] is a town and unitary authority with borough status in Bedfordshire, England, with a population at the 2021 census of 225,262.[5][8] Luton is on the River Lea, 32 miles (50 km) north-west of London,[9] 18 miles (29 km) north-west of Hertford, 20 miles (32 km) south of Bedford[9] and 23 miles (37 km) south-east of Milton Keynes. The town's foundation dates to the sixth century as a Saxon settlement on the river, from which Luton derives its name.[10] Luton is recorded in the Domesday Book as Loitone and Lintone.[11] One of the largest churches in Bedfordshire, St Mary's Church, was built in the 12th century.[12] There are local museums which explore Luton's history in Wardown Park[13] and Stockwood Park.[14]
