Luton

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Luton

town and unitary authority, England, United Kingdom

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Dec 25, 2024 • Article History

News •

Luton to build new Henge to celebrate community and nature • Dec. 22, 2024, 1:36 AM ET (BBC)

Tom Lockyer: Ankle surgery delays Luton return from cardiac arrest • Dec. 20, 2024, 5:26 AM ET (BBC)

'New mayor' for Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes • Dec. 17, 2024, 12:10 AM ET (BBC)

Vauxhall’s Luton plant ‘still faces closure’ despite shock exit of cost-cutting chief • Dec. 3, 2024, 4:42 AM ET (The Telegraph)

Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares abruptly quits in boardroom clash • Dec. 1, 2024, 11:21 PM ET (BBC)

Luton, town and unitary authority, geographic and historic county of Bedfordshire, England. It lies along England’s chief superhighway (M1), 30 miles (48 km) northwest of London, and has an international airport.

Long famous for the manufacture of straw hats, Luton developed into an industrial town dominated by the motor vehicle industry. The hat industry still prospers, with felt hats as the principal product. South of the town, the mansion of Luton Hoo houses the Wernher collection of porcelain, enamel, and other art treasures. Area 17 square miles (43 square km). Pop. (2001) 184,371; (2011) 203,201.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.