United Counties Omnibus

A lavishly illustrated look at one of the most iconic regional bus operators, United Counties Omnibus, based primarily in Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire.

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Dating back to 1921 and originally operating from a base in the small Northamptonshire town of Irthlingborough, United Counties expanded significantly during the 1920s and 1930s, firmly establishing themselves in the county of Northamptonshire, as well as a network of services in south Lincolnshire, south Leicestershire and the Stony Stratford area of Buckinghamshire.

United Counties doubled in size in May 1952 when the Midland area operations of the Eastern National Omnibus Company were acquired. This expanded the network before ownership passed in 1969 to the National Bus Company, under whom the company remained until 1986 when it was split into three operating areas. Stagecoach Group purchased the United Counties marque in 1987, bringing the story of its distinctive white and stripe livery to an end.

With a wealth of previously unpublished photographs, David Beddall and Gary Seamarks offer a nostalgic look back at this iconic part of the local transport scene.