13 minute read
LOCAL HISTORY
The Almshouses at Great Linford
Pic: The Parks Trust
The faces who occupied the places we now call home
The lives of the colourful characters who called this part of North Bucks home during the 19th and 20th centuries are being remembered and their stories told in a series of new books. Sammy Jones delved into the pages written by historian John Taylor.
Milton Keynes might not officially be a city in name yet, but it has all of the associated success, concrete and bustle of one. Big business brands flock here, new housing estates seem to appear almost overnight, and even our once clean skyline is being encroached upon.
Looking around us today, it can be hard to imagine a time when life here was far more rural, and even harder to imagine the lives of those who lived, loved and worked in our villages and towns.
John Taylor has spent 50 years writing about our local history, and his new Village Stories series is a wonderfully warm and thorough way to retrace local steps of our predecessors.
“With the city now well established, many present day residents seem to think it perhaps just wafted down from the heavens ready built and aren't aware that previously the area was predominantly agricultural, with village communities and a way of life which existed for centuries,” John said.
“As one who remembers 'how it used to be,' my intent is just to tell something of the people and places of those past communities, before they, and their rural way of life, are forgotten.”
And his writing tells stories of day-to-day life, tales of wealth and success, and others of tragedy.
John's books explore the marvellously mundane (details of fetes and galas, and minor brushes with the law) through to the
celebratory (of marriages and children) and the decidedly sombre as death comes calling – and sometimes it does so in particularly cruel and gruesome ways.
Broughton's volume sheds light on the passing of Percy Adams, a dairy farmer, who took his own life in 1927 with his sporting gun.
His death left a widow and three sons and three daughters in mourning, but an inquest held at the family home of Broughton Manor Farm the day following his death found that Mr. Adams had suffered fits of depression and had talked of suicide on many occasions, and despite there being no money worries, he would often fret over 'trifling things' because of his condition.
Chief medical officer Dr Bailey, from Newport Pagnell, said the deceased had been a hard working man who became overworked, had a heart degeneration and had suffered a nervous breakdown.
Tragically, with the business proving too much for him, he had often spoken that his family would be better off without him.
Another story shares the loss of life of stockman Morian Alfred Noah Trumper, who spent nearly 20 years in employment at the Copies of An Horrod Lad by Terry Smith are currently for sale in Milton Keynes Museum shop. Terry wrote the book, which records village life in Little Horwood in the period immediately after WWII, as a tribute to his mother and father, Albert and Mary. “I realised that I was the 'last man standing' who could tell the story of a special generation of people,” he said. “It's the story of a girl from Henley Workhouse and Bledlow Children's Home and a Dr Barnardos boy who came together in a field at Warren Farm in wartime and who served their community with love, laughter and song – and downright hard work – for 62 years thereafter. “They found themselves in the middle of 'The Secret Wireless War' working for George Gee, a mega London builder who bought up many farms in Little Horwood between 1937 and 1938, all of them on high ground where wireless masts could be erected...” The book is particularly personal for Terry, given that it includes his parent's story written in their own words, together with the timeline of notable history of the village.
Albert & Mary on their wedding day at Newport Pagnell registry office on 4th November 1941 (above) and a celebration party at Little Horwood Manor, Christmas 1945 (below)
farm. In 1938 he suffered a splinter in the base of his thumb while using a fork to load manure. An insignificant 'wound' you might think, and he must have done too, for it was some time before he consulted a doctor and attended hospital where an inch long splinter was discovered still embedded in the thumb. A tetanus infection was diagnosed and treatment started, but bronchial pneumonia set in and less than three weeks later, Morian passed away.
A verdict of accidental death was recorded.
John and Ann Marsh would also meet a untimely end; when driving their carriage in early 1858, part of the harness snapped, their horse broke into a furious gallop and the carriage hit a high kerb with such force it threw out Mr Marsh and, as the carriage toppled over, Mrs Marsh was jerked out. She suffered a blow across her face, 'by which the gold plate retaining her artificial teeth was driven into her throat.'
It sounds awful, and so it proved to be – for while the gold plate would be removed, it wasn't enough to save her and she died a few hours later.
The horse was badly injured and the coach was written off.
Just short of a month after the accident, Mr Marsh succumbed to his injuries, which included fractured ribs and several contusions.
A stained glass window commemorating the couple was placed in Broughton Church later that same year.
Great Linford is steeped in history, and John has managed to fuse some of its better known moments with forgotten stories of many of its most colourful characters like Jim Gloster, the village 'horse whisperer' and Jack Pool, the man who delivered cutting edge music in the very truest sense with his musical saw!
The village's picturesque almshouses, which overlook the ancient village pond, were built at the end of the seventeenth century, at the request of the lord of the manor, Sir William Pritchard.
Following Sir William's death, his wife gave £6 annually to provide each of the six occupants 'a gown and breeches, or gown and petticoat, dependent on gender,' every Christmas.
Each resident had a fireplace flanked by cupboards, a washstand and a through corridor. Primitive, but undoubtedly appreciated by those fortunate enough to be living there.
The substantial look at Shenley includes an in-depth focus on those who called Shenley House home over the years. The impressive Jenkins family from the village who all excelled in their chosen fields have their stories told too; Thomas moved to America and became a Bishop, Alfred became a distinguished headmaster, and Harold was a renowned Shakespearean scholar.
Loughton, Shenley & Tattenhoe also casts light on the not so right and proper activities of the wayward masters of Kingsland School, accommodated at Shenley
Park House.
“The actual villain of the piece was a character once associated with it, with a tale of bankruptcy, fraud, imprisonment, and the running of a series of private schools in a script akin to
Keystone Cops meets St
Trinians!” John teases.
By making good use of public records, searching the archives of newspapers, and by scrimping on no detail, John has turned back time on our corner of North Bucks and brought colour to times past.
Investing some time in these chapters allows you to share in the lives of the men, women and children who called this area home long before us.
But though we can look back, one wonders what those characters of yesterday would think of the place we call home today...
Group photo of the Jenkins family
Bishop Thomas Jenkins
> Great Linford, Loughton and Shenley & Tattenhoe and Broughton Village Stories are available from Waterstones in Central Milton Keynes, or can be purchased at Odell in Stony Stratford and Mrs B's Emporium in Wolverton. Online orders can be made from the publisher at magicflutepublishing.com
Milton Keynes Museum is one of the best interactive museums, a perfect outing for all ages, staffed by friendly volunteers, and highly recommended by visitors on TripAdvisor. This feature was written by Milton Keynes Museum. Find out more about forthcoming events and see our opening times at: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
Treading a new path in 2022?
Emily Pope Solicitor - Divorce and Family Law
Neves Solicitors LLP Aurora House Deltic Avenue Rooksley Milton Keynes MK13 8LW
01908 304560 www.nevesllp.co.uk I t’s the New Year! For family lawyers everywhere, the typical cliché rings true that this is the busiest time of year, as couples inevitably re-evaluate their relationships over the festive break and, in some cases, take the decision to separate. There are so many things to consider when you take the first step of announcing your decision and undoubtedly if you are reading this article you will be feeling a little daunted about what needs to happen next.
It is always a good idea to seek advice as to the things you should be considering and the most appropriate way forwards both legally and practically. As a minimum, we would recommend booking an initial fixed fee consultation with a solicitor to help you understand your options following a relationship breakdown. Even if you then choose to negotiate arrangements between yourselves, an understanding of your position will help you to make future plans with confidence.
Consulting a solicitor is something that many people rarely ever do, unless purchasing a property or making a will. The prospect of going to see a solicitor can be a daunting one. This article should help to alleviate some of your concerns, by giving you an overview of the sorts of things we would discuss with you in an initial consultation and how it can help you to navigate your separation.
We will usually start the appointment by asking you a little bit about why you have come to see us and the events leading up to you booking an appointment. Do not worry - we are not expecting a perfect account, just an overview of the situation which has caused you to consult a solicitor. We will then ask for basic details for yourself, your former partner and your children.
For married couples, consideration will need to be given as to whether to start the divorce process. For some, particularly in relationships which have ended with hostility, this will be a priority to enable them to move on with their lives. Others would prefer to wait until they have been separated some time. We will talk you through the process, practical considerations and costs.
After separation, it will also be necessary to start having conversations with your partner about how you are going to deal with joint assets following your separation. It is important to consider how both of you are going to meet your needs moving forward. We will ask you a number of questions about the assets that yourself and your partner own and give you a steer as to where you stand legally and what a sensible way forward might look like. We will also give you tips on how to maximise your income following separation, including advice on child maintenance, state benefits and (where applicable) support from your former partner.
Last, but most definitely not least, we may ask you some questions regarding the arrangements for your children. It can be really difficult to co-parent after a relationship breakdown and ensure that children are not affected by any underlying tensions or emotions that parents feel towards one another. Sorting out arrangements for your children is always a priority and often something which parents are able to agree between themselves. However, if you are struggling to have contact with your children following a relationship breakdown then we can advise you of the best way to proceed to reestablish a pattern of contact.
Are you ready to rethink retirement?
Covid-19 has caused people to re-think what’s important to them, including how they spend their later years. Meet the communities where over 65s are making the most of the freedom retirement brings and possibly living the best years of their lives.
"T he pandemic has encouraged us all to re-evaluate our lives and what matters most to us, and interestingly we have seen a large uptick in enquiries to live in one of our villages,” says James Cobb, Director at Inspired Villages, the award-winning retirement villages' operator partnered with Legal & General and NatWest Group Pension Fund.
The retirement communities Inspired runs offers stylish homes and apartments discreetly designed to accommodate older owners, with leisure and wellbeing facilities right on their doorstep, as well as optional home support services. With a particular focus on delivering an enviable lifestyle for over 65s that supports a holistic wellbeing.
Cobb believes the uptick in enquiries is partly because people have realised they want to live somewhere right for the retirement they dream about. “The size of their house and the burden that it has become is often a catalyst to ‘right size’ – finding something more suitable,” explains Cobb. “And with all the services and facilities available in a retirement village in reality it often feels like an ‘upgrade’.”
Inspired Villages currently operates six retirement villages across the UK spanning from Devon up to Cheshire, with a few more due to open in 2022 including Elderswell near Turvey in Bedfordshire.
For many residents and their children one of the benefits of a retirement village is the peace of mind you get from knowing the village team is there to provide security and support if needed. From housekeeping and property maintenance to local transport and checking in on your home while you ‘lock up and leave’ for an extended break, there is a team member more than happy to help. This secure environment gives residents the freedom to relax, have fun and take up new hobbies. There are numerous activities and events organised by the Wellbeing Navigators in the villages to help residents make the most of their free time. It is also a great way of keeping healthy as you age.
Veronica, a resident at Inspired’s Exeter village Millbrook, says: “I feel fitter here now than I’ve ever done.” She swims in the pool at Millbrook every day and goes to the gym three times a week.
Experiences like this chime with research done by Aston University that shows living in a retirement village leads to a 46% decrease in planned GP visits, a 31% decrease in planned hospital admissions and a drop in hospital stay durations from 8-14 days to 1-2 days.
Community, security, wellbeing, fun, and freedom. It’s not hard to see why enquiries from people wanting to live in an Inspired village are rocketing up. As many residents like Tricia say, it’s the “best move we’ve ever made”. >> To find out more about living in an Inspired village visit www.inspiredvillages.co.uk
'Stylish homes and apartments discreetly designed to accommodate older owners'
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