Chalfont St Peter Visitor Guide

VISITOR GUIDE
Chalfont
St Peter
Judge Jeffreys
Isaac Penington
Historic village on
the River Misbourne
sponsored by
Chiltern District Council
www.chiltern.gov.uk
www.visitbuckinghamshire.org
History of the village
Chalfont St Peter is an ancient village with traces of Iron
Age and Roman habitation. The earliest known reference,
a Saxon Charter of 949 AD, in the reign of King Edred
calls the village Ceadeles Funtan and in the Domesday
Book it is known as Celfunde.
Introduction
Chalfont St Peter lies in the county of Buckinghamshire
at the very heart of history and the struggles for an
Englishman’s right to be free.
The vast areas of green, open spaces within the village
and the beauty of the commons are striking – Gold Hill
which tumbles down to the village, Austenwood with
remnants of sawpits and brick making, Chalfont Common
and the riverside at Mill Meadow and Chalfont Park.
Newland Park, the National Society for Epilepsy and
Chalfont Park offer both relaxation and activity within
their grounds. At the heart of the village is the land that
was once The Grange.
Whilst the wide open spaces are home to any number of
sports and leisurely pursuits, the village itself is welcoming
and friendly. Time can be spent over a meal, shopping in
the small individual shops or employing the talents of the
many crafts and tradesmen in the village.
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Sir Isaac Penington, a vigorous
and outspoken opponent to the
Crown, was Lord Mayor of
London and Lieutenant of the
Tower. It was he who led
Archbishop Laud to the scaffold
but was thrown into the Tower
himself and died in 1661 after
Charles II’s return at the
Restoration of the Monarchy.
© National Portrait Gallery, London
The village nestles in the Misbourne Valley on the
southern slopes of the Chiltern Hills. The Misbourne river
flows both through and under the village making its way
through the Colne Valley Park to the river Colne on its
journey to the Thames.
Two former inhabitants of the Grange give testament to
Buckinghamshire’s turbulent history; both ended their
days in the Tower of London – Sir Isaac Penington, the
Puritan Parliamentarian and Judge Jeffreys, Charles II’s
Lord Chief Justice and James II’s Lord Chancellor.
Isaac Penington
Penington’s son, also Isaac,
engraving circa 1643
lived at the Grange until 1666.
Married to the widow Mary Springett, whose daughter
Gulielma became the wife of William Penn, Isaac was a
devout Quaker and welcomed both George Fox, the
founder of Quakerism, and Thomas Ellwood, Milton’s
friend, to the Grange. Judge George Jeffreys, the
‘Hanging Judge’ lived at the Grange whilst Bulstrode, in
neighbouring Upton parish, was being rebuilt. He presided
over a court at the 14th-century coaching inn, The
Greyhound. Jeffreys was captured trying to follow James II
into exile and died in the Tower, of illness, in 1689.
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Shopping and browsing
The village has a butcher, two bakers and a candlestickmaker but that’s not all. Taking a leisurely stroll along
the High Street, around St Peter’s Court and past the
timber-clad shop fronts of Market Place, the variety of
smaller, independent and unusual shops becomes
apparent. So much nicer than the usual high street full
of national chains!
The village has a strong tradition of customer service,
being awarded the ‘Welcome Host’ accolade by the
Southern Tourist Board, and there is a higher than
average number of shop owner occupiers, who enjoy and
take pride in what they sell.
There’s plenty of car parking in the centre of the village,
so why not come and browse.
Notable events
Annual events, many of which have been established for
generations, punctuate the Chalfont St Peter year.
St Peter’s Feast Day in June centres on St Peter’s
churchyard and a weekend of events with the whole
village decked out in Cross Keys flags. This is the oldest
event of the village inaugurated in 1229 by Ranulf de
Brito, Henry III’s treasurer. Other summer fairs and shows
include Chalfont Fair at the end of May.
Timebreaker at the end of August is a week of children’s
activities on Gold Hill Common organised by local
churches.
In November, local school children commemorate
Remembrance Day with a parade down Market Place to
the church.
At Christmas the Fun Night on the first Friday in
December brings people to the village for carol singing,
late night shopping, a mini funfair and food stalls. The
Marie Taylor Carol Service takes place later in the month
at the church.
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Shopping and services
CHALFONT TAXIS
Market Place, Chalfont St Peter
01753 89 31 31 or 01494 87 55 22
ACTIVITY CHEST www.activitychest.com
17 Market Place, Chalfont St Peter 01753 892828
ANYTIME, ANY PLACE, ANY DISTANCE • Airports
• Business • Stations • Hospital • Restaurants • School
An exciting toy shop packed full of fun products for your
creative, educational, gift and party
needs. Enjoyment for all the family
• 6 seater and estate cars • courier service • executive
chauffeuring service.
CHALFONT BOOKSHOP
All our drivers are registered and licensed with Chiltern
District Council. Call us to place a booking or for a quote:
01753 89 31 31 or 01494 87 55 22
9 Market Place, Chalfont St Peter 01753 882997
Books on all subjects for the whole family.
Fast, efficient ordering service, usually
within 24 hours
27 Packhorse Road,
Gerrards Cross 01753 882022
Items bought and sold, especially Clarice
Cliff, Carlton Ware, Shelley, Myott, Poole
and other Art Deco ceramics of the period
Enjoy coffee or hot chocolate while
watching chocolates being created,
and gifts such as chocolate greetings
cards and champagne bottles being
personalised
ACTION MOBILITY
BUDGENS
45 Market Place, Chalfont St Peter 01753 890616
Bishop House, Market Place, Chalfont St Peter
01753 888452 www.budgens.co.uk
MAINLY DECO
Open Tues–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10.30am–3pm
6 Oak End Way, Gerrards Cross 01753 882066
Sales, service and
repair of all types
of mobility equipment
and daily living aids.
Free demonstration without
obligation. Open Monday
to Saturday 10am–4pm
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AUBERGE DU CHOCOLAT
Open Mon–Sat 8am–10pm, Sunday 10am–4pm
Helping you shop locally. We’re committed to providing value
for our customers with fresh produce, meats and cheeses;
great promotional offers; great value for money; new deli
with hot food to go; freshly baked bread. We also offer a
free Home Delivery Service when you spend £20 or more.
Major credit cards accepted including Amex. Free parking
CHALFONT ST PETER
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NUCLEUS
Chalfont St Peter Chamber of Commerce – supporting the
village and local businesses. To find out more
visit our website: www.cspchamber.org.uk
or phone 01494 873533.
Chalfont St Peter Chamber of Commerce
are the originators of this Visitor Guide
Nucleus sells a wide range of greetings cards
and gifts, including toys for all ages, jewellery,
cufflinks, specially selected glassware, wedding
albums, picture frames and fine Belgian
chocolates by Leonidas
4 Market Place, Chalfont St Peter 01753 882962
Supported by Chalfont St Peter Chamber of Commerce
www.cspchamber.org.uk
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Other services
Out and about
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BUILDING SOCIETY
CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM
High Street, Chalfont St Giles Tel: 01494 879500
Fax: 01494 876256 www.bucksbuildingsociety.co.uk
Newlands Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles
01494 872163 www.coam.org.uk
Helping you build a better future. Head Office: High St,
Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4QB
Branch Office:
20 Market Place,
Chalfont St Peter
See historic buildings come alive
CHILTERN
OPEN AIR MUSEUM
COKERS EXECUTIVE PRIVATE HIRE
99 Orchard Grove, Chalfont St Peter 01753 886834
Airport transfers/London trips. Reliable professional service.
Modern fleet including 6-seater. Pre-booking
essential. Licensed by Chiltern District Council
THE BRAMPTON PARTNERSHIP
57 St Peters Court, High Street, Chalfont St Peter
01753 888288
Located in the heart of the village with five local offices.
Contact Marilyn Morrison on
01753 888288 for a free
market appraisal
Open daily – April to October
www.coam.org.uk 0 1 4 9 4 8 7 2 1 6 3
HAREWOOD DOWNS GOLF CLUB
Cokes Lane, Chalfont St Giles
01494 762184. Visitors and societies welcome
THE CHILTERN SOCIETY
White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham
01494 771250 www.chilternsociety.org.uk
JOIN THE CHILTERN SOCIETY today!
(Credit card facility available). Help care for
the Chilterns – keep them safe and beautiful
for future generations to enjoy as we do!
Charity no 1085163; company no 4138448
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V I
L L A G E
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Newland Park is now one campus of Buckinghamshire
College. Rebuilt by Sir Henry Gott in 1770 the main house
has an impressive hall and staircase. During the 1920s it
became a sanctuary for suffragettes.
Gotts Monument, a brick and flint obelisk, sits near the
entrance to the National Society for Epilesy. Although
now only half its original height after being hit by
lightning, the obelisk was erected by Sir Henry Gott to
help his friends, including George III, find their way back
to Newland Park after a day’s hunting.
Out and about
Plentiful walks around the village and along the River
Misbourne take in the chalk valley scenery, woodlands
and open spaces. The Misbourne is a chalk river which
flows intermittently and forms part of the Colne Valley
Park. The Parish Footpaths Map details footpaths and
bridleways including circular walks in Chalfont Park and
on Chalfont Common.
St Peter’s Church, first mentioned in 1133, owes its
present design of brick to hundreds of years of restoration
and extension including a new tower that replaced the old
one which collapsed in 1708 in a storm. The church nave
and chancel house brasses and hatchments of local
families.
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Where to eat, drink & stay
THE DUMB BELL
Shire Lane, Horn Hill, Chalfont St Peter 01753 872166
Enjoy convivial company in a
comfortable country pub. Family and
disabled friendly. Shaded and heated
patio and garden. Children’s playground.
Log fires. Fantastic food all day.
Carvery. Specials and á la carte menus.
Real ales. Large, safe car park
THE SUGAR LOAF INN www.thesugarloafinn.com
Station Road, Little Chalfont 01494 765579
Chalfont St Peter’s huge choice of where to eat, drink
and stay caters for all needs - restaurants, public houses,
take-aways, cafes, bakeries and sandwich shops, hotels,
bed and breakfast, and a scout camp site.
Choose from centuries old historic pubs in the centre of
the village, award winning and family friendly pubs, or
those with music and sports TV entertainment.
There’s an excellent range of restaurants, including those
within public houses, and takeaways serving a wide
variety of foods.
The Sugar Loaf is a great place
for either a drink or a bite to
eat. Perfect for a glass of wine
Open seven days a week. after work, lunch with the
family or dinner with friends.
Food served.
The service is friendly &
Midday – 3pm
informal and our menu features
& 6pm until 10pm.
classic European dishes with a
modern twist using quality, fresh
ingredients and local produce.
Kids menu & Baby-changing
facilities. Garden & more
parking to the rear. Non-Smoking
throughout
WAGGON & HORSES
Copthall Lane, Chalfont St Peter 01753 888755
Recently refurbished, offering home cooked
food, a patio garden, and a warm welcome.
www.waggon-horses.co.uk
THE VILLAGE HALL
Gold Hill West, Chalfont St Peter
01753 887596 www.morethanjustapub.co.uk
Great food, real ales, fine wines.
Kids welcome, parties catered for
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HAWKES DESIGN & PUBLISHING
59a The Broadway, High St, Chesham 01494 793000
Graphic design business
specialising in print for heritage,
tourism and environmental/
conservation projects
www.hawkesdesign.co.uk
Supported by Chalfont St Peter Chamber of Commerce
www.cspchamber.org.uk
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THE GREYHOUND INN
High Street, Chalfont St Peter 01753 883404
www.thegreyhoundinn.net
Presents to you:
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Sports and leisure
Chalfont St Peter has an astonishing variety of sport and
leisure facilities, clubs and activities.
2
Cricket, rugby, football, hockey and golf take place at
Chalfont Park, swimming and indoor sports at the Chalfont
Leisure Centre and there is an award winning bowling club
and several riding and livery stables in the area.
3
The open spaces at Gold Hill and Austenwood Common
provide space for informal outdoor activities and there is
football, tennis and a skateboarding park at Mill Meadow.
Chalfont Park Sports Association 01753 885554
Chalfont Leisure Centre 01494 788977
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P A R I S H
Where to stay
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE CHILTERNS UNIV. COLLEGE
Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles
01494 603064
Set in landscaped gardens and woodland – an ideal place for a
relaxing break. Outdoor heated swimming pool and residents’ bar
HEBRON BED AND BREAKFAST
128 Rickmansworth Lane, Chalfont St Peter
01494 873533
Friendly, quiet home on the edge of Chalfont St Peter, next to
countryside and woods. Ample off-road car parking
JORDANS YOUTH HOSTEL
Welders Lane, Jordans 0870 770 5886 www.yha.org.uk
A small self-catering lodge set in its own grounds with parking,
patio and BBQ area. Ideal for families, individuals
and groups. Family rooms from £38. Individuals
from £12. Rent the whole hostel on weekends from
£480. 22 beds. E-mail: jordans@yha.org.uk
THE IVY HOUSE FREEHOUSE INN
London Road (A413), Chalfont St Giles 01494 872184
The Award winning Ivy House is a beautiful seventeenth
century Inn set in the heart of the Chilterns. A wonderful
mixture of old fashioned hospitality and modern facilities. It is
the ideal place to sample a local ale, fine wines, stay overnight
in our comfortable rooms, or enjoy a relaxing meal. Our talented
Chefs have created an exciting gastro style menu, which features
everything from traditional English Fayre with a twist, to more
exotic dishes. Eat, drink, but always enjoy!
National Freehouse of the Year 2006
Chiltern Food Pub of the Year 2005/06
www.theivyhouse-bucks.co.uk
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How to find us
By road
Photos © Chiltern Open Air Museum
Chiltern Open Air Museum
Chiltern Open Air Museum, in the Parish of Chalfont St
Peter at Newland Park, is signposted off the A413 between
Chalfont St Giles and Chalfont St Peter. The Museum was
founded in 1976, with the aim of rescuing threatened
buildings which are unique examples of the heritage of the
Chilterns. Set in 45 acres of beautiful parkland and woods
are over 30 rescued historic buildings, furnished as homes
and places of work or worship. Skippings Barn houses a
Conservation & Education Centre run by the Hawk & Owl
Trust, the national organisation dedicated to the
conservation of wild birds of prey. There is also a Victorian
Farm with goats, rabbits and sheep, and a fully furnished
1940’s prefab. Special events, demonstrations and handson activities take place during the season. The Museum is
open from early April to the end of October, 10am until
5pm daily (last admission 3.30pm).
Chalfont St Peter is only an hour’s drive from London or
half an hour from West London, High Wycombe,
Aylesbury and Watford. Take Junction 16 or 18 off the
M25 or Junction 1 or 2 off the M40. The village is just off
the A413 between Amersham and Denham.
By public transport
The Chiltern Line from Marylebone to
Banbury/Birmingham stops at Gerrards Cross and
occasionally at Seer Green and Jordans. The Chiltern Line
from Marylebone to Aylesbury stops at Amersham.
Metropolitan Line underground trains stop at Chalfont
and Latimer. Chalfont St Peter is on several bus routes:
305 (High Wycombe-Beaconsfield-Uxbridge),
335 (Newland Park College-Gerrards Cross-Slough)
and 353 (Slough-Gerrards Cross-Berkhamsted).
On foot or cycle
Many roads, footpaths, bridleways that are suitable for
walkers and cyclists cross the Parish and the surrounding
area. Details of individual routes are available from
Chiltern District Council and local libraries.
For further information telephone 01494 871117 (office) or
872163 (24-hour information line). Web site: www.coam.org.uk
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Further information
Chalfont St Peter Chamber of Commerce:
01494 873533 or www.cspchamber.org.uk
Chalfont St Peter website:
www.chalfontstpeter.com
Chalfont St Peter Library, High Street: 01753 885991
Wycombe Tourist Information Centre: 01494 421892
Wendover Tourist Information Centre: 01296 696759
Chiltern District Council Tourism & Marketing Unit:
01494 732023 or www.chiltern.gov.uk
TRING
from
AYLESBURY
WENDOVER
T
R
S
.
.N
B
A4146
A41
BERKHAMSTED
HEMEL
HEMPSTEAD
from
ST ALBANS
J8
A41
M1
H
I
L
E
N
O
A.
A413
B4505
C
A416
B485
A41
CHESHAM
GREAT
MISSENDEN
J6a
A416
J20
Little
Chalfont
AMERSHAM
A404
A404
A355
HIGH WYCOMBE
CHALFONT
ST GILES
BEACONSFIELD
from Euston
J18
RICKMANSWORTH
from WATFORD
M25
from HARROW
A413
from Marylebone
and Baker Street
J2
M40
from MARLOW
and MAIDENHEAD
Chiltern
Open Air
Museum
CHALFONT
ST PETER
J4
A40
Harewood
Downs
J21
GERRARDS
CROSS
from Marylebone
J1a
J16
from SLOUGH
from UXBRIDGE and LONDON
For visitor details on places to stay and visit
in the Chiltern District, go to:
www.chiltern.gov.uk
www.visitbuckinghamshire.org
© 2006 Hawkes Design & Publishing 01494 793000
www.hawkesdesign.co.uk.
Photography © Steve Church
Front cover portraits © National Portrait Gallery © Guildhall Art Gallery
Produced by Chalfont St Peter Chamber of Commerce