Great Linford History - Welcome
This website collects a wide and growing repository of information about the history of the Buckinghamshire village and ancient parish of Great Linford. This charming old village is home to scenic Great Linford Manor Park and is considered one of the jewels of Milton Keynes, situated in the midst of the modern city and sheltering a treasure trove of historical buildings and changing landscapes that can be traced back centuries. Becoming home in the late 16th century to the renowned astrological doctor the Reverend Richard Napier, the old rectory became famous as a place of medical and spiritual healing, and with its manor house, quaint olde-worlde High Street and the green spaces of Linford Manor Park that were once a part of extensive pleasure gardens, Great Linford remains a fascinating place to visit. It is hoped this website will therefore provide readers interested in learning about Great Linford an insight into the past lives of its people and the rich historical legacy preserved within the original parish boundaries.
If you're visiting, click here for a handy guide to Great Linford Manor Park, village and parish.
Explore the history of Great Linford
Education
Great Linford is notable for having had a school in one form another since 1702, when the Lord of the Manor, William Pritchard established a charity school in the manor grounds. Read more about education in Great Linford.
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Industry & Trade
For a small rural village, there was a surprising amount of industry and commerce taking place, with a busy canal wharf and a long history of brick making in several locations. Read more about industry in Great Linford.
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Law & Order
There was no police station in Great Linford, but until the creation of a national police force, constables were appointed to keep order. Punishments could include time in the stocks. Read more about crime in Great Linford.
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The Manor
A Manor is historically much more than a single grand house such as now dominates Great Linford park, though an older medieval manor house is now lost to view. A Manor was also all the land and property owned by its Lords. Read about the history of Great Linford Manor.
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People
Did you know that Great Linford had a resident photographer from about 1880 to 1930? In this section you can find out about his life, and also the stories of other people who lived and worked in the village. Read more about family history in Great Linford.
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Politics
We take voting for granted, but there was a time when only a tiny handful of people were allowed to vote. Politics was also every bit as divisive as it can be today, and things could become very heated. Explore the history of politics in Great Linford.
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Do you have some history to share?
Do you have some knowledge about the history of Great Linford? It doesn't have to be ancient history. Perhaps your family has a connection to the village, or you have some old photographs you would like to share? Why not get in touch?