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Chalfont St Giles
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The village green

Area Guides: Chalfont St Giles
Location: Chalfont St Giles
County:
Buckinghamshire

Telephone: .
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Website: http://www.chilterns-stay.co.uk


Full Description: Chalfont St Giles, or Chaufunt Seggyle as it was called in 1262, is a lot more than just a beautiful church, a collection of 17th century cottages and a duck pond, whilst Jordans has more to offer than simply the last resting place of William Penn and his family. Sitting between the two villages is the former hamlet of Threehouseholds which was renowned for its cherry and apple orchards, and in years gone by used to be a centre for chair-making and pheasant breeding. Situated in exceptionally beautiful countryside with access to dozens of pleasant walks, these are modern communities with a wide range of shops, facilities and services which will reward a visit at any time of the year. The original church dates back to the 12th century. It is one of seven churches in Buckinghamshire dedicated to St Giles. St Giles is generally regarded as the patron saint of cripples, beggars and travellers, and the protector of animals.

The parish of Chalfont St Giles was in the diocese of Lincoln until 1845 when it was transferred to the diocese of Oxford. In 1563 there were 45 families living in the village. Today the population in the parish, including Jordans, is about 7,300.
Of particular importance in the church are the 14th century wall paintings, and the decorated chancel arch. The present tower was built in the 15th century, and replaced an earlier Norman tower. The list of Rectors dates back to 1185, the first being Robert de Burnham. When the church was extensively repaired in 1861, some small iron cannon balls were found embedded in the stone surround of the East window. They had no doubt been fired from Stone Meadow by Cromwell’s troops after the battle of Aylesbury. Three of the cannon balls can be seen on display in Milton’s Cottage.

In the sanctuary you will find a wall tablet in memory of Admiral Sir Hugh Palliser. He was the friend and patron of Captain Cook, who, on his voyages of discovery, named Cape Palliser and Palliser Bay on North Island, New Zealand, in his honour. Sir Hugh Palliser erected a monument in memory of Captain Cook in the grounds of The Vache, where it still stands.
A walk around the village centre. This picturesque village on the edge of the Chilterns is full of historic interest; it is the setting for many film and television stories and the centre of a lively community with a wide choice of amenities. Start your walk from the ‘Chalfont St Giles’ sign on the Green. If this area seems familiar, it may be because watchers of BBC Southeast News will have seen the pedestrian crossing most evenings. Walk past Merlin’s Cave, the pub which featured in the modern version of Chaucer’s A Miller’s Tale. Immediately past the pub is Peterson House which used to be three cottages known as Dame Clayton’s Almshouses. Continuing along the High Street you come to the archway leading to the Parish Church. This is also the route of several popular long distance footpaths including The Chiltern Way and South Bucks Way. Through the arch is the Lych-gate which originally stood alongside the 16th century Lych-gate Cottage. Across the road from here Dad’s Army enthusiasts will recognise Captain Mainwaring’s Bank. The door to the ‘bank’ is now the window that has ‘The Crown’ written above it. Further along, past The Feathers, is The Reading Room which dates from the 17th century. It was the first school in the village and villagers paid one penny a week to attend!
Passing the interesting variety of excellent shops (including the greengrocers and the Sunday Telegraph-recommended butchers, both of which featured in the Dad’s Army film) you cross Bowstridge Lane to Stonewells Farm. Dating back to the 15th century, this is reputedly the oldest house in the village. Looking across Deanway, up from the New Rectory is The Old Rectory, a fine 17th and 18th century property, although in 1519, the residence on this site was described as being ‘in a ruinous condition’. Continuing up Deanway, past a row of 18th century cottages and the Old Manse you will arrive at Milton’s Cottage and Milton’s field. Over the crossing, return down Deanway, past Thomas Valentine House, named after the Rector from 1624 to 1661 who was sacked for his nonconformist views. Continue past Rectory Cottage and turn left up School Lane. The first building is known as the Palliser School Room and is now part of the Infant & Nursery School. Sir Hugh Palliser was Patron to Captain Cook, Governor of Newfoundland and a Lord of the Admiralty, who lived in Chalfont St Giles at The Vache. In 1789, he endowed a day school for 20 poor boys and 20 poor girls, and made provision for their clothing. Next, you come to the Memorial Hall, constructed in 1923 to remember servicemen lost in the Great War, and after that, on the right, the Jubilee Homes Almshouses, opened in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Until the late 1940s, just one outside tap served the four cottages! Turning right down the footpath you will see The Fox and Hounds dating back to the 17th century and then, the Forge Garage formally occupied by the village blacksmith. Go left at the main road, and past Stratton Chase Drive which leads to a series of pleasant country walks should you wish to explore further. Otherwise, pass Sandfords perhaps you saw it in BBC TV’s Bright Hair or A Miller’s Tale), The Old Bakehouse and several listed buildings bringing you back to where you started –ready for refreshment at one of our pubs.



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