April 2023 - The Story of Milton Keynes

Cosgrove aqueduct, photographed 2006 by Dr Peter R Lewis

The Story of Cosgrove-aqueduct

Cosgrove-aqueduct, Hero, Milton-Keynes, Things

Title: The Iron Trunk Aqueduct - A Marvelous Piece of Engineering Are you in the mood for a stunning photo opportunity? Look no further than the Iron Trunk Aqueduct. This breathtaking Georgian structure spanning the Grand Union Canal over the River Ouse is an impressive 10.8 meters high and connects Wolverton with Cosgrove. It's a must-see for fans of history, engineering, and just plain awe-inspiring structures. The Grand Junction Canal was designed to cross the River Great Ouse, which was the lowest point between the summits at Tring and Braunston.…

The Story of Olney Pancake Race

Milton-Keynes, Olney, Pancake-race

Title: Olney, the Birthplace of Pancake Racing Have you ever wondered where the oldest annual pancake race in the world originated? Well, wonder no more! Look no further than the quaint market town of Olney in Buckinghamshire. Dating back to 1445 and the War of the Roses, the world-renowned Pancake Race at Olney has taken place every year since it was revived in 1948. Legend has it that on Shrove Tuesday, a local housewife, who was busy cooking pancakes in anticipation of the beginning of Lent, heard the church bell…

The Story of Brick-Kilns

Brick-Kilns, Milton-Keynes, Things

Title: Discover the History of Great Linford's Brick Kilns Great Linford boasts a fascinating connection to the construction industry with the presence of two Victorian brick kilns and the base of a third. These large ovens were used for making bricks and were built by a coal and lime merchant, George Osborn Price, in the late 1800s. Located next to the canal, the clay material for making bricks was easily accessible, and the canal provided a means for transporting bricks to various building projects. The iron bands around the kilns…

The Story of Campbell-Park

Campbell-Park, Milton-Keynes

Title: Discover the Wonders of Campbell Park in Milton Keynes Campbell Park in Milton Keynes, England, offers a unique oasis in the heart of the city. Named in honor of Jock Campbell, the first chairman of Milton Keynes Development Corporation, this park offers a verdant escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, visitors can explore the park's various attractions, including the Milton Keynes Rose, Belvedere, and Pyramid of Light. The MK Rose lies at the western end of the park and serves as a public space for…

Aqueduct carrying the Grand Union Canal over Grafton Street, New Bradwell, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The first GUC aqueduct to be built in more than 100 years.

The Story of Bradwell

Bradwell, Milton-Keynes, Places

Title: Discovering the Hidden Gems of Bradwell Bradwell, a small parish in Milton Keynes, has a rich history that often goes unnoticed. The area may be enclosed by grid roads, but there's more to it than just modern development. Let's take a closer look at what makes Bradwell a unique part of Milton Keynes. At the heart of Bradwell lies the old village, which has been surrounded by modern housing. However, what many people don't know is that Bradwell Common, one of the housing areas, was home to one of…

St Mary's church, Woughton on the Green, Milton Keynes. 13th century. Now belongs to an ecumenical parish.

The Story of Woughton

Milton-Keynes, Places, Woughton

Title: Discovering the Historical Charm of Woughton-on-the-Green Woughton-on-the-Green is a hidden gem that boasts a rich history that's waiting to be discovered. As a village listed in the Domesday Book back in 1086, it's no surprise that it has a trove of stories that are just waiting to be uncovered. One of the most famous landmarks in the village is the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, which dates back to the 13th century. Its stunning architecture is a testament to the village's rich history and culture.…

The Story of Simpson

Milton-Keynes, Places, Simpson

Title: Simpson: From Saxon Times to Modern-Day Simpson, a village in Milton Keynes, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its beginnings can be traced back to Saxon times when a man named Sigewine owned a farm here. Over time, Sigewine's tun evolved into the Simpson we know today. The name Simpson originates from Old English and means 'Sigewine's farm or settlement.' It was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Siwinestone. The village church, St Thomas, was built in the early fourteenth century and is still standing today.…

The Story of Starship-Robots

Milton-Keynes, Starship-Robots, Things

Title: Discover the Autonomous World of Starship Robots in Milton Keynes If you have ever spent time in Milton Keynes, you may have seen a fleet of small white robots whizzing around on their daily rounds, delivering food and groceries. These autonomous vehicles are the brainchild of Starship, a world leader in autonomous delivery technology. Milton Keynes has a special place in Starship’s hearts, as it was the first commercial robot food delivery location back in 2015. Since then, the fleet has grown significantly, making it the world's largest autonomous…

All Saints' Church remains at the centre of a village environment in the Milton Keynes grid square of Loughton.

The Story of Loughton

Loughton, Milton-Keynes, Places

Title: Discovering the Hidden Treasures of Loughton Loughton is a picturesque village that packs a punch with its history and natural beauty. The village's name apparently means 'Luhha's estate', which adds to its ancient feel. Its All Saints Church is one of the oldest buildings still standing, and it is proof of the village's charm and importance in history. The church features a chancel and nave built in the 13th century, with impressive architectural details that have been preserved. Manor Farm, also known as Little Loughton Manor House, is an…

The Story of Fenny-Stratford

Fenny-Stratford, Milton-Keynes, Places

Title: The Fascinating Story of Fenny Stratford: From Plague to Innovation Fenny Stratford may be a small town on the edge of Milton Keynes, but it has a rich history that spans centuries. Originally an independent town, it was incorporated into Milton Keynes in 1967. The town's name is an Old English word that means 'marshy ford on a Roman road'. During its long history, Fenny Stratford's market was once a bustling spot, but the bubonic plague devastated the town in 1665, causing the London-Chester route to be diverted away…