Welcome
Continuing our visits to out of the way villages, today we go to Great Missenden. A village in Buckinghamshire that had a very famous resident!
Close by to Great Missenden is the country estate of the British Prime Minister. An invitation to Chequers is sought after from many World leaders.
As we head into Christmas and as our thoughts turn to gifts to give, why not consider a paid subscription to my extended section starting in February next year? The offer is listed at the end of this newsletter if you’d like to take a look.
I hope you enjoy our trip to Great Missenden this week and discovering its most famous resident.
Till next week
Michelle
Savvy Travel Historian
November: English Villages & Towns
Great Missenden
[Source: Adobestock.com - AdobeStock_588928418]
Background
Located in the Chiltern Hills and despite the village dating back to the Domesday Book, it is best known now for its most famous former resident, author Roald Dahl.
South-east of Aylesbury and north of High Wycombe, Great Missenden is around an hour and a half drive from central London.
History
Great Missenden, located in the heart of the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire, boasts a rich history that dates back over a thousand years.
The earliest record of Great Missenden can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Originally referred to as "Missedene", the village was best known for its agriculture, having large areas of arable land, woodlands, and meadows. During the medieval period, Great Missenden flourished as an agricultural community, supported by its fertile soil and favorable location.
In the 14thC Great Missenden Abbey was constructed and although the Abbey no longer exists, it assisted in the village's future growth and prosperity. The dissolution of monasteries under King Henry VIII in the 16thC led to the transfer of the Abbey's lands to private owners, altering the village's landscape and economy.
During the 17th and 18th centuries Great Missenden’s strategic location on the route between London and Aylesbury ensured that it evolved into a prosperous coaching town, benefiting from a number of Inns and coaching houses which sprang up to cater to travelers and traders, contributing to the village's economic growth. The introduction of the railway in the 19th century further enhanced Great Missenden's connectivity, attracting new residents and visitors, and fostering a more diverse community.
In 1954 renowned children's author Roald Dahl moved into the village.
Dahl's residence in the village until his death in 1990, significantly impacted its culture with large visitor numbers now ensuring the village remains a large tourist attraction. His legacy is preserved in the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, which attracts visitors from around the world, keen to explore the life and works of the celebrated author.
The High Street, lined with a blend of medieval, Georgian, and Victorian architecture, reflects the village's architectural diversity.
The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, with its 14th-century tower and spire, remains a prominent landmark, displaying the village's rich religious heritage.
Great Missenden village has developed while preserving its historical elements. The village's commitment to conservation and heritage is evident in its well-preserved buildings that mixes newer but similar coloured buildings with older ones like the library below.
Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl was born on September 13, 1916, in Llandaff, Wales. As mentioned previously, he moved to Great Missenden in 1954.
Dahl's early life was marked by tragedy and adversity. His father and elder sister died when he was just three. After finishing school, Dahl traveled widely, working in places like East Africa, which influenced his writing.
His writing career began during World War II. Dahl served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force, and his experiences were the subject of his first published work, ‘The Gremlins,’ in 1943. This children’s book set the stage for a career that would focus largely on youth literature.
Dahl's children's stories are renowned for their inventiveness, often featuring unlikely heroes who face off against villainous adults in fantastical settings.
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden serves as a tribute to his life and legacy. His impact on popular culture is immense, with numerous adaptations of his works in film, television, and theatre.
The museum includes many exhibits that depict his famous stories.
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," published in 1964, is perhaps his best-known work, telling the story of a poor boy who wins a tour of an eccentric chocolatier's factory.
Dahl's writing style is distinctive for its playful use of language. He invented new words and phrases, some of which have entered common usage such as Oompa Loompa and scrumdiddlyumptious, both listed in the Oxford Dictionary. His ability to view the world through a child's eyes, with a sense of wonder and an understanding of their fears and desires, set his works apart.
We wrote most of his books in his office at the end of his garden and it has been recreated in the museum. Today, performances explaining some of the things contained in his books are held in this space.
During WWII, Dahl was shot down over Libya. A replica airplane is also on display.
Due to injuries he received during the war, he wrote his works sitting in a chair, which they allow children to sit in, at the museum.
However, Dahl's work has not been without controversy, with some critics pointing to elements of his personal views and aspects of his writing as problematic. His family and Trust have issued an apology regarding his anti-semetic statements in some of his books. Despite these controversies, his stories remain widely read and continue to enchant new generations of readers.
He passed away on November 23, 1990, and is buried in St Peter & St Paul Church in the village.
As a nod to the BFG, the path to Dahl’s grave is traced by the giant's footprints.
For some, visiting the Roald Dahl Museum will be the main reason to go to the village of Great Missenden and it is certainly worth it if you are a Dahl fan and definitely if you are taking children there.
The website gives you details about what to see, opening times and ticket prices.
Chequers
Located just nine minutes down the road from Great Missenden is Chequers, the official country residence of the British Prime Minister.
Chequers is steeped in history and political significance and has served as a rural retreat for British Prime Ministers since 1921. The house, dating back to the 16th century, was gifted to the nation by Sir Arthur Lee in 1917, with the intention of providing a country retreat for the incumbent Prime Minister.
Spanning over 1,500 acres, the Chequers estate is a blend of historical architecture and picturesque landscapes. The house itself is a stunning example of Tudor-style building, with additions and renovations over the centuries adding to its grandeur and functionality. Inside, the residence is richly decorated, containing an extensive collection of art and antiques that reflect Britain's political and cultural heritage, including the largest Oliver Cromwell memorabilia in the World.
Chequers has played host to numerous important meetings and gatherings involving key political figures, both from the UK and internationally. It serves not only as a private escape for the Prime Minister but also as a venue for diplomatic engagements and governmental strategy sessions. The house has witnessed significant decisions and discussions, playing a crucial role in the shaping of British and international policy.
The privacy and tranquility of Chequers make it an ideal setting away from the public eye and the pressures of Downing Street. Its historical significance and continued use today underscore its role as an integral part of the British political landscape.
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Michelle is a speaker, author, content marketer, historian and mother of 3 boys.
After 25 years in business and as the ‘Content Marketing Queen’ for the past 12 years, she has helped countless small businesses understand and develop their content strategies and focus on a customer first approach.
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