Chalfont St Giles - Chiltern District Council
Transcription
Chalfont St Giles - Chiltern District Council
VISITOR GUIDE Chalfont St Giles & Jordans John Milton William Penn Historic villages on the edge of the Chilterns sponsored by Chiltern District Council www.chiltern.gov.uk www.visitbuckinghamshire.org Historic facts and dates 949 AD First record of Chalfont occurs as Ceadeles funta (Ceadel’s spring) 1086 The name is shown in the Domesday Book as Celfunte and Celfunde 1185 The first Rector listed as Robert de Burnham th Early 14 C Date of the wall paintings in the Parish church (see p8) Enjoy your visit © Buckinghamshire Advertiser Series Chalfont St Giles, or Chaufunt Seggyle as it was called in 1262, is a lot more than just a beautiful church, a collection of 17th century cottages and a duck pond, whilst Jordans has more to offer than simply the last resting place of William Penn and his family. Sitting between the two villages is the former hamlet of Threehouseholds which was renowned for its cherry and apple orchards, and in years gone by used to be a centre for chair-making and pheasant breeding. 2 Situated in exceptionally beautiful countryside with access to dozens of pleasant walks, these are modern communities with a wide range of shops, facilities and services which will reward a visit at any time of the year. We hope you enjoy the experience and will come again, with friends. 1563 Records show 45 families living in Chalfont St Giles 1644 Birth of William Penn 1665 John Milton and his wife come to Chalfont St Giles (see p10) 1749 The Old Bakehouse established alongside The Green 1771 Admiral Sir Hugh Palliser buys The Vache (see p8) 1887 The Milton’s Cottage Trust formed (see p10) 1897 Jubilee Homes built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. 1971 Dad’s Army filmed in the village 1976 Chiltern Open Air Museum founded (see p11) 1979 Chalfont St Giles twinned with Graft de Rijp 1987 Queen Elizabeth II visits Milton’s Cottage 2006 1st Literary Festival 2008 400th anniversary of the birth of John Milton Photograph © Matt Fowler (see p10) 3 Shops and services BUCKS HOUSE LTD INTERNATIONAL FASHIONS Bucks House, The Green, Chalfont St Giles 01494 875711 Two floors of exciting designer collections available in sizes 10–18. Shoes, accessories and jewellery to complement. The Library TIM SMITH ANTIQUE RESTORATIONS CHALFONT TAXIS Narcot Lane, Chalfont St Giles 01753 89 31 31 or 01494 87 55 22 ANYTIME, ANY PLACE, ANY DISTANCE • Airports • Business • Stations • Hospital • Restaurants • School • 6 seater and estate cars • courier service • executive chauffeuring service. All our drivers are registered and licensed with Chiltern District Council. Call us to place a booking or for a quote: 01753 89 31 31 or 01494 87 55 22 The Furniture Village, London Road, Chalfont St Giles 07860 265130 Furniture maker and antique restorer. Established 1969. AMERSHAM INSURANCE SERVICES High Street, Chalfont St Giles 01494 871555 Amersham Insurance Services is based in Church Farm Courtyard. We specialise in motor and home insurance. Our experienced staff are friendly and efficient. [email protected] www.amershaminsurance.co.uk FLEETWOOD STUDIOS LTD 88 Deanway, Chalfont St Giles 01494 872608 Fireplaces: • Marble • Stone • Slate • Brick. Solid fuel. All types of gas fires. Fireplace accessories, grates, firescreens etc ALL DRESSED UP – FANCY DRESS HIRE 4 CHALFONT PETS 1 The Green, Chalfont St Giles 01494 872530 All your animal’s needs at the best prices: Seed and grain mixes, carrots, peanuts, pellets, wood shavings, horse feeds, live food. Discounts on bulk orders. E-mail: [email protected] SHARON SMITH SOFT FURNISHINGS 4 The Green, Chalfont St Giles 01494 874364 Chartridge Green House, Chartridge 01494 785861 / 07803 499364 Accessories, masks, balloons, bomboniere and haberdashery. HARLEQUIN FIREWORKS – professional displays and DIY packs Soft furnishings and quality handmade curtains Supported by Chalfont St Giles Revitalisation Committee 5 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BUILDING SOCIETY Where to stay High Street, Chalfont St Giles Tel: 01494 879500 Fax: 01494 876256 www.bucksbuildingsociety.co.uk Helping you build a better future. Head Office: High St, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4QB Branch Office: 20 Market Place, Chalfont St Peter HIGHCLERE FARM COUNTRY TOURING PARK J A WOODCOCK DENTAL PRACTICE HEBRON BED AND BREAKFAST The Green, Chalfont St Giles 01494 875113 128 Rickmansworth Lane, Chalfont St Peter 01494 873533 Advanced restorative, aesthetic and implant dentistry. Specialist in endodontics. www.saintgiles-dental.co.uk Stonemead House, The Green, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4QZ THE BRAMPTON PARTNERSHIP 3 Pond House, High Street, Chalfont St Giles 01494 876060 Your local Estate Agent with five offices working together. For a free market appraisal contact Kit Rose with over 10 years continuous village experience LAWSON & CO CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 18 The Lagger, Chalfont St Giles 01494 873545 • Self assessment returns • Registered auditors • Year-end accounts prepared • Income tax • Corporation tax • PAYE and VAT Newbarn Lane, Seer Green 01494 874505 Countryside park only 25 miles from London. Ideal base to tour Bucks. 4-star park for tents & touring caravans. 60 electric hook ups. Open Mar–Jan Friendly, quiet home on the edge of Chalfont St Peter, next to countryside and woods. Ample off-road car parking BUCKINGHAMSHIRE CHILTERNS UNIV. COLLEGE Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles 01494 603064 Set in landscaped gardens and woodland – an ideal place for a relaxing break. Outdoor heated swimming pool and residents’ bar JORDANS YOUTH HOSTEL Welders Lane, Jordans 0870 770 5886 www.yha.org.uk A small self-catering lodge set in its own grounds with parking, patio and BBQ area. Ideal for families, individuals and groups. Family rooms from £38. Individuals from £12. Rent the whole hostel on weekends from £480. 22 beds. E-mail: [email protected] See also The Ivy House, White Hart Inn and The Greyhound Inn under ‘Where to eat and drink.’ THE FROST PARTNERSHIP 10 High Street, Chalfont St Giles 01494 872233 www.frostweb.co.uk Celebrating 100 years in property, with a network of 11 web-linked offices designed to offer you a complete professional service 6 Supported by Chalfont St Giles Parish Council 7 The Cook Monument © Friends of CSG Parish Church The monument is about one mile from the centre of the village on the left side of the B4442 (Vache Lane) in the direction of Little Chalfont. It is on private land but open to the public and entrance is free via a permitted footpath. Vache Estates do not allow parking on the Estate. Walk up the drive and on the left, by a gate there is a stile and footpath.The path is then about 500 yds. to a second stile leading to the monument. Inside the monument, is an obelisk with details of Cook’s many achievements, written in quaint old English. It is well worth climbing the stairs for the magnificent view but mind the steps and your head if you do! Points of interest The Parish Church The church is open to visitors Easter to end October, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm most days. Please call (01494) 875840 The original church dates back to the 12th century. It is one of seven churches in Buckinghamshire dedicated to St Giles. St Giles is generally regarded as the patron saint of cripples, beggars and travellers, and the protector of animals. The parish of Chalfont St Giles was in the diocese of Lincoln until 1845 when it was transferred to the diocese of Oxford. In 1563 there were 45 families living in the village. Today the population in the parish, including Jordans, is about 7,300. Stonewells Farm Stonewells Farm, on the corner of Bowstridge Lane and Deanway, is believed to be the oldest house in the village, dating back to the 15th century. It is a timber framed house developed around a medieval central hall. Of particular importance in the church are the 14th century wall paintings, and the decorated chancel arch. The present tower was built in the 15th century, and replaced an earlier Norman tower. The list of Rectors dates back to 1185, the first being Robert de Burnham. The Rt Rev Dr Francis Hare and his son Robert owned the house from 1734–1777. In the Sanctuary of the Parish Church you will find a window in memory of Dr Hare, Lord Bishop of Chichester and Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral. The communion rails were the gift of Bishop Hare, and are said to have been brought from St Paul’s Cathedral. Dr Hare had been Chaplain to the Duke of Marlborough during the war of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), and in the churchyard lies the tombstone of Timothy Lovett, courtier to the Court of Marlborough. When the church was extensively repaired in 1861, some small iron cannon balls were found embedded in the stone surround of the East window. They had no doubt been fired from Stone Meadow by Cromwell’s troops after the battle of Aylesbury. Three of the cannon balls can be seen on display in Milton’s Cottage. 8 © Friends of CSG Parish Church In the sanctuary you will find a wall tablet in memory of Admiral Sir Hugh Palliser. He was the friend and patron of Captain Cook, who, on his voyages of discovery, named Cape Palliser and Palliser Bay on North Island, New Zealand, in his honour. Sir Hugh Palliser erected a monument in memory of Captain Cook in the grounds of The Vache, where it still stands. 9 Milton’s Cottage Photos © Chiltern Open Air Museum In July 1665, John Milton (1608–1674) and his wife came to Chalfont St Giles from Bunhill Fields in the City of London, to escape the plague. 20,000 people were dying in their vicinity, and the family had been awoken daily by the cry ‘bring out your dead’. One of England’s greatest poets and political thinkers, Milton was rescued by his Latin pupil and Quaker friend, Thomas Ellwood who found him ‘a pretty box in Giles Chalfont’ to rent. In this 16th century cottage, now a Grade I listed building, Milton completed Paradise Lost, and commenced writing its sequel, Paradise Regained. Chiltern Open Air Museum Four ground floor museum rooms contain important first editions of John Milton’s 17th century poetry and prose works. The cottage is administered by the Milton’s Cottage Trust to which Queen Victoria subscribed £20 towards the original purchase in 1887. Chiltern Open Air Museum at Newland Park is signposted off the A413 between Chalfont St Giles and Chalfont St Peter. The Museum was founded in 1976, with the aim of rescuing threatened buildings which are unique examples of the heritage of the Chilterns. Set in 45 acres of beautiful parkland and woods are over 30 rescued historic buildings, furnished as homes and places of work or worship. Skippings Barn houses a Conservation & Education Centre run by the Hawk & Owl Trust, the national organisation dedicated to the conservation of wild birds of prey. There is also a Victorian Farm with goats, rabbits and sheep, and a fully furnished 1940’s prefab. Special events, demonstrations and hands-on activities take place during the season. The Museum is open from early April to the end of October, 10am until 5pm daily (last admission 3.30pm). For further information telephone 01494 871117 (office) or 872163 (24-hour information line). Web site: www.coam.org.uk Milton’s Cottage is open March to October, Tuesday to Sunday, plus Bank Holiday Mondays, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm. The 400th anniversary of Milton’s birth will be widely celebrated in 2008. For further information telephone 01494 872313. Portrait of Milton as a young man 10 11 Jordans village Photos © Matt Fowler Jordans village took its name from Old Jordans, the farmstead where Quaker farmers lived in the 17th century. The development of the village took place under the guidance of various committees and groups with the aim ‘to create a village based on Christian principles in a manner serviceable to the national wellbeing by promoting suitable industries (Jordans Village Industries) and to establish and carry on religious, social, recreative and educational works and institutions’. Building began in 1919, using locally produced materials. By 1923 the terraced cottages around the village were occupied, and subsequently a few detached and semi-detached houses on the edge of the village were completed and rented out on monthly tenancies. The Puers Field flats were built a few years after the Second World War, and a further four flats at Cherry Tree Corner ( specifically for the elderly) were completed in the late 1960s. Jordans Village Ltd. retains certain powers of management over any property (even those privately owned) in line with the original intention of keeping village land under village control. The rents are used to maintain the rented properties, as well as the open spaces, roads, drains and other charges. In 1987 Chiltern District Council designated part of Jordans a Conservation Area. The buildings of particular interest in Jordans include: The Friends’ Meeting House, built in 1688 and situated a few minutes walk from the centre of the village is one of the oldest established Quaker Meeting Houses. In the graveyard nearby are simple headstones recording the names of Friends buried there including William Penn (founder of the State of Pennsylvania) and other early eminent Quakers who worshipped there illegally at the time of the Stuart persecutions. Although alterations were made, the windows and doorways are in their original positions and the unvarnished deal benches remain. However it is temporarily closed due to a fire in 2005. The Mayflower Barn, set on walls of bricks has timbers some of which are reputed to have come from the Mayflower ship that took the Pilgrim Fathers to America in 1620. Old Jordans Farm now known as ‘The Hostel’ or Old Jordans was the home of a yeoman in the days of Charles II and was where the Friends met to worship. The original structure remains including the kitchen built in 1624. Old Jordans was bought by The Society of Friends to provide accommodation for private guests and conferences. It was sold for development in 2006. Dean Farm House goes back a thousand years. The house was originally a medieval hall house with a service wing, hall and solar wing. There is a fresco in one of the upper rooms. The great barn, longer and narrower than the Mayflower Barn, is roofed with ships’ timbers and still has a threshing floor of great beech planks and knee-high threshold. Other more modern buildings include the Village Hall built by village workers in their spare time; Jordans Youth Hostel built in 1931 and given to the YHA by Friends in the Village. The Village Store is its own limited company and has its own management committee. It has a team of four part-time staff, who are assisted by a large band of village volunteers. Abridged, with permission, from Jordans Village by Ken Morgan 12 13 Out and about Where to eat and drink HAREWOOD DOWNS GOLF CLUB THE SUGAR LOAF INN www.thesugarloafinn.com Cokes Lane, Chalfont St Giles 01494 762184. Visitors and societies welcome Station Road, Little Chalfont 01494 765579 KINGSHILL CARS Railway Station, Great Missenden 01494 868699 / 862782 (reservations) www.kingshillcars.co.uk Private Hire Service for the Chilterns, London & Airports. Est.1992. We offer our customers experienced drivers, a dedicated office, saloons, estates, & MPVs seating up to 7 passengers all with your comfort and convenience in mind. E-mail us at: [email protected] The Sugar Loaf is a great place for either a drink or a bite to eat. Perfect for a glass of wine Open seven days a week. after work, lunch with the family or dinner with friends. Food served. The service is friendly & Midday – 3pm informal and our menu features & 6pm until 10pm. classic European dishes with a modern twist using quality, fresh ingredients and local produce. Kids menu & Baby-changing facilities. Garden & more parking to the rear. Non-Smoking throughout. CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM THE FEATHERS Newlands Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles 01494 872163 www.coam.org.uk High Street, Chalfont St Giles 01494 581400 Chris and Eddie welcome you to The Feathers, Chalfont St Giles – the oldest and most traditional Public House in this picturesque village. Beer garden; food available from mid May. See historic buildings come alive CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM THE MERLINS CAVE Village Green, Chalfont St Giles 01494 875101 Open daily – April to October www.coam.org.uk 01494 872163 14 Set in the heart of Chalfont St Giles village serving real ales and keg ale, contemporary beers and home cooked food 12–3pm 7 days a week. Traditional bar with log fires in winter and sports bar with 42" plasma screens 15 Where to eat/drink/stay THE GREYHOUND INN High Street, Chalfont St Peter 01753 883404 www.thegreyhoundinn.net WHITE HART INN Three Households, Chalfont St Giles 01494 872441 You’ll have fun – we’re serious about what we do… à la carte menu, bouillabaisse, cask ales, desserts to die for, eleven bedrooms, foie gras parfait, Gressingham Duck, home-cured gravadlax, IPA, just a sandwich, king scallops, latte, monkfish with Parma Ham, new world wines, Oysters Kirkpatrick, Pinot Grigio, quality service, roasted vegetables, Stella Artois, table reservations, unusual specials, vegetarian options, warm salads… and that bit extra! Presents to you: 1 2 THE IVY HOUSE FREEHOUSE INN London Road (A413), Chalfont St Giles 01494 872184 3 The Award winning Ivy House is a beautiful seventeenth century Inn set in the heart of the Chilterns. A wonderful mixture of old fashioned hospitality and modern facilities. It is the ideal place to sample a local ale, fine wines, stay overnight in our comfortable rooms, or enjoy a relaxing meal. Our talented Chefs have created an exciting gastro style menu, which features everything from traditional English Fayre with a twist, to more exotic dishes. Eat, drink, but always enjoy! 4 National Freehouse of the Year 2006 Chiltern Food Pub of the Year 2005/06 www.theivyhouse-bucks.co.uk 16 Supported by Chalfont St Giles Visitor Information Centre – e-mail: [email protected] 17 Parish Map Chalfont St Giles Jordans Threehouseholds Maps by Brian Tordoff Churches Chalfont St. Giles Parish Church (01494) 872097 The Divine Infant of Prague Roman Catholic Church (01753) 886581 Deanway United Church (01494) 872503 Chalfont St Giles Community Church (01494) 876222 The Rock, Independent, café style Church (01494) 870770 Quaker Friends (01494) 675280 18 19 A walk around the village centre This picturesque village on the edge of the Chilterns is full of historic interest; it is the setting for many film and television stories and the centre of a lively community with a wide choice of amenities. Start your walk from the ‘Chalfont St Giles’ sign on the Green. If this area seems familiar, it may be because watchers of BBC Southeast News will have seen the pedestrian crossing most evenings. Walk past Merlin’s Cave, the pub which featured in the modern version of Chaucer’s A Miller’s Tale. Immediately past the pub is Peterson House which used to be three cottages known as Dame Clayton’s Almshouses. Continuing along the High Street you come to the archway leading to the Parish Church (see page 8). This is also the route of several popular long distance footpaths including The Chiltern Way and South Bucks Way. Through the arch is the Lych-gate which originally stood alongside the 16th century Lych-gate Cottage. Across the road from here Dad’s Army enthusiasts will recognise Captain Mainwaring’s Bank. The door to the ‘bank’ is now the window that has ‘The Crown’ written above it. Further along, past The Feathers, is The Reading Room which dates from the 17th century. It was the first school in the village and villagers paid one penny a week to attend! Passing the interesting variety of excellent shops (including the greengrocers and the Sunday Telegraph-recommended butchers, both of which featured in the Dad’s Army film) you cross Bowstridge Lane to Stonewells Farm (see page 9). Dating back to the 15th century, this is reputedly the oldest house in the village. Looking across Deanway, up from the New Rectory is The Old Rectory, a fine 17th and 18th century property, although in 1519, 20 the residence on this site was described as being ‘in a ruinous condition’. Continuing up Deanway, past a row of 18th century cottages and the Old Manse you will arrive at Milton’s Cottage (see page 10) and Milton’s field. Over the crossing, return down Deanway, past Thomas Valentine House, named after the Rector from 1624 to 1661 who was sacked for his nonconformist views. Continue past Rectory Cottage and turn left up School Lane. The first building is known as the Palliser School Room and is now part of the Infant & Nursery School. Sir Hugh Palliser was Patron to Captain Cook, Governor of Newfoundland and a Lord of the Admiralty, who lived in Chalfont St Giles at The Vache. In 1789, he endowed a day school for 20 poor boys and 20 poor girls, and made provision for their clothing. Next, you come to the Memorial Hall, constructed in 1923 to remember servicemen lost in the Great War, and after that, on the right, the Jubilee Homes Almshouses, opened 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Until the late 1940s, just one outside tap served the four cottages! Turning right down the footpath you will see The Fox and Hounds dating back to the 17th century and then, the Forge Garage formally occupied by the village blacksmith. Go left at the main road, and past Stratton Chase Drive which leads to a series of pleasant country walks should you wish to explore further. Otherwise, pass Sandfords (perhaps you saw it in BBC TV’s Bright Hair or A Miller’s Tale), The Old Bakehouse and several listed buildings bringing you back to where you started – ready for refreshment at one of Sandfords our pubs, restaurants or The Deli. For a more detailed walk see the Conservation Area Committee’s Chalfont St Giles – A Walk Round the Village. (Available during the Summer from the Visitor Information Centre). Photograph, below © Matt Fowler 21 Notable events How to find us Chalfont St Giles By road Shrove Tuesday: Pancake Café in the Reading Room (01494) 872055 Fridays in Lent: Lunches in the Reading Room (01494) 872097 Good Friday: Churches Together, Walk of Witness starting in the Roman Catholic church at the top of the Deanway ending with a service on The Green (01494) 872097 1st May, 12noon: Maypole Dancing by St Giles Maypole Dancers (one of the few remaining adult dance teams) – joined by dancers from the Infant & Nursery School. (01494) 872683 First/second Sunday in May: Local gardens are open (11am to 5pm) in aid of the Memorial Hall (01494) 872883 Whit Sunday: Churches Together Service on The Green (01494) 872097 1st September: St Giles Day First Saturday in September: Country Show & Fun Run in Stone Meadow (01494) 874755 Sunday after the Country Show: Churches Together Service on The Green (01494) 872097 Second weekend in September: participating in the National Heritage Weekend Friday before Halloween: Ghost Walk and Saturday event (01494) 872683 Saturday nearest to 5th November: Bonfire/fireworks display on Stone Meadow (01494) 872683 © Friends of CSG Parish Church By public transport The Chiltern Line from Marylebone to Banbury/ Birmingham stops at Gerrards Cross and occasionally at Seer Green & Jordans. Both stations are close to the 305 bus which runs, infrequently, to Chalfont St Giles. The 353 which runs between Gerrards Cross and Amersham also stops at Chalfont St Giles. The Chiltern Line from Marylebone to Aylesbury links with the Metropolitan Underground and stops at Little Chalfont & Latimer as well as Amersham. There are taxis available and the distance from these stations to Chalfont St Giles is only three or four miles. (See pages 4 and 14 for taxis ). To plan your journey use: www.chilternrailways.co.uk or www.buckscc.gov.uk/travelinfo or ring 08457 48 49 50 National Rail Enquiries 0870 608 2 608 Bus Traveline. Remembrance Sunday, 11am: (Service/Parade/laying of wreaths) by the High Street War Memorial (01494) 872097 On foot or by bicycle First Saturday in December: Switching on of the Christmas lights, Service on the Green, Santa, stalls, refreshments and carols on the Green (01494) 870704 Chalfont St Giles is well served by public footpaths and has good connections with the extensive path network of the Chiltern Hills. Three long distance walkers’ routes pass through the village: The South Bucks Way follows the Misbourne Valley between Denham and Wendover; a section of the route of the Chiltern Way, a circular walk of over 200km, goes around Newland Park. across Stone Meadow and along Stratton Chase Drive; the 84km Chiltern Heritage Trail walking route passes through the village by the churchyard. The Milton Loop of the Chiltern Heritage Trail cycling route passes through the village centre. Jordans Third Saturday in May: Jordans Horticultural Society Plant Sale on Village Green Second Saturday in June: The Village Fair Second Sunday in July: Family jazz picnic on Village Green Third Saturday in September: Jordans Horticultural Society Village Show at the School or Village Hall see www.seergreenandjordans.org.uk or ring Estate Office on 01494 875177 or Village Store on 01494 873279 22 Chalfont St Giles is only an hour's drive from London or half an hour from West London, Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Watford. Take Junction 16 or 18 off the M25 or Junction 1 or 2 off the M40. The village is situated along the A413 between Amersham and Denham. 23 Further information Chalfont St Giles Visitor Information Centre 07833 132 868. Located in the car park of the Merlin's Cave public house, on the Village Green. Open Easter to the end of September. Fri & Sat 10am–4pm, Thurs & Sun 1–4pm. Also open Bank Holiday Mondays 10am–4pm. For Sunday afternoons the Centre moves into the Parish Church. E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.chalfontstgiles.org.uk Tourist Information Centres Wycombe 01494 421892 Wendover 01296 696759 Chiltern District Council Tourist & Marketing Unit 01494 732023 For visitor details on places to stay and visit in the Chiltern District, go to: www.chiltern.gov.uk/district/accommodation www.visitbuckinghamshire.org Thanks to the Chalfont St Giles Visitor Information Centre Task Group and the many other contributors. Line drawings by Ted Giles. Layout © 2006 P A Hawkes Design & Publishing 01494 793000
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