There are several references to Banbury in the connection to stories.  Banbury, England was a site for the publication of many fairy tales, like “Cinderella.”  “Banbury Cross and Other Nursery Rhymes" is probably the reference you are encountering in various novels.  The Dent Banbury Cross series of stories was very popular and has had many years of popularity.

“Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross,
To see a Fyne lady ride on a white horse.
With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes,
She shall have music wherever she goes.”