Things Archives - Page 2 of 2 - 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 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…

The Story of Concrete-Cows

Concrete-Cows, Hero, Milton-Keynes, Things

Title: The Iconic Concrete Cows of Milton Keynes If you're ever in Milton Keynes, there's a sight you simply can't miss: the Concrete Cows. These famous sculptures were created in 1978 by American artist Liz Leyh, and have since become a beloved icon of the area. Made from scrap materials and skinned with fiberglass reinforced concrete, the Concrete Cows were originally located in Bancroft before being moved to various locations over the years. They've even been replicated by Bill Billings and placed near Monks Way for all to see. But…

The Story of Wolverton-Castle

Heritage, Hero, Milton-Keynes, Things, Wolverton-Castle

Title: The Remarkable History of Old Wolverton Castle Old Wolverton Castle – a name that conjures images of a time long gone. This Norman motte and bailey castle is a symbol of power and defence, built in the late 11th century by Manno le Breton, who was granted the land by William the Conqueror for his support during the invasion in 1066. But it wasn’t until Manno’s son or grandson built the castle that it truly became a stronghold. The castle was built during a time of great turmoil –…

The Story of Houghton-House

Heritage, Hero, Houghton-House, Milton-Keynes, Things

Houghton House: A History of Mystique and Intrigue Deep in the heart of Bedford lies the enigmatic Houghton House, a hunting lodge built in the early 17th century for Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke. The house stands tall, evoking a potent sense of the past with its unusual blend of Jacobean and classical design. The house retains two impressive early elements of classical architecture, its two loggias, attributed to Inigo Jones, an iconic English architect, and designer. Perhaps the most striking feature of the house is its mysterious past, which…

The Story of Mute-Swan

Milton-Keynes, Mute-Swan, Things

The Untamed Majesty of Mute Swans The Mute Swan is a graceful creature that is a common sight in the UK. From the tranquil lakes to the winding rivers and canals of Milton Keynes, these majestic birds proudly make their home. Their beauty and elegance are undeniable, and their presence has enchanted many. However, it's essential to remember that whilst we adore these creatures, they are wild animals. The Parks Trust receives an overwhelming number of calls from the public every year regarding the welfare of swans. These calls outnumber…

Chapel of the former Benedictine Priory of Our Lady, Bradwell Abbey, Buckinghamshire

The Story of Medieval Milton-Keynes

Heritage, Medieval, Milton-Keynes, Time

Title: Unearthing the Secrets of Milton Keynes' Medieval Past The landscape of Milton Keynes may be dotted with modern developments and sleek buildings, but beneath the surface lies a rich and mysterious past. Bradwell Abbey or Bradwell Priory is a historic site in Milton Keynes, England. It was a Benedictine priory founded in 1154 and grew to become an important local center, but declined during the Black Death. It was closed in 1524 and the site and its revenues were granted to Cardinal Wolsey. Today, only a small chapel and…