Keepers Cottage (No. 1)
The River keeper, Mr. King lived in the cottage at the corner of the wood and we would always look carefully to see if he was in sight when we went wooding, not that he would say anything to us, but he and Mr. Macgregor were always regarded with awe by the children. RM
Several news articles about him and his family. Article about his son. Gunner Edward King of the Royal Artillery Garrison died of pneumonia on the Ist January 1919 and was buried in the Cairo War Memorial Cemetery. His father, George King, was a gamekeeper at the Chenies Estate. At least four of his brothers also signed up to fight, and his sister was a volunteer with the Red Cross.
Swimming Pool (no longer standing)
This was an antiquated corrugated iron building standing on the river bank by Chenies Mill. The pool was fed from the river through pipes and it was naturally very murky but you was certain where the bottom was when going in off the boards at the deep end. The pool was demolished about the second year of the Second World War.
No. 2
No. 3
No. 4
No. 5
Brook Cottage No. 6
End Cottage No. 7
Mill Farm
In the 1930’s, young mum Rose Maling once lived in the Mill Cottages that were on this site. The farm was run by Mr. Harry Boughton (relative of T Boughton who Rose’s father worked for later on and ran a company making farm machinery). Harry also ran the Manor farm. RM
Dodd’s Mill
Rose Maling’s father worked here at the turn of the century. RM
The mill was worked by Mr. Todd. and every day we would see him come up the hill with his white smock and white millers hat on to go for his drink at the Bedford. RM
Rose moved here in 1926 with family and her father worked the mill once again – lots of info in her article
George Dodd (see article)
Chenies Place
Woodside House
The Dowager Duchess Adeline of Bedford lived at Woodside House and each year she presented the children of the village with something at Christmas. One year it was a red riding hood cloak for the girls and a red jersey for the boys. Another year it was boots for each child. One year I had a doll but I cannot recall if every girl had one. We had a party in the Long room where we were given these. My chief memory of the parties was having an orange and a large bun as we came out.
Mr & Mrs R Stafford Charles, Captain Leslie Stafford Charles lived here after the Duchess had died and during the war years
The Cottage
Gardeners Cottage
The Court House
Woodside Cottage
Whitehill Cottage (No. 33)
Hillside Cottage No. 18 (and 19 was the upper floor, now combined into one dwelling)
Once number 18 was the wheelwright. In 1839 the tithe map lists the Red Lion as occupied by Samuel Clark, a wheelwright.
Number 19 is where the WI first met, started by Mrs Wishart and Mrs Stafford Charles.
No. 20 (and also 21, now combined)
Betty Healings Great Grandmother lived here at no. 21 in ‘one of the cottages by the green with diamond pane windows with her daughters’
No. 22
No. 23
No. 24
No. 25
No. 26
No. 27
Cottingham House (new build) ?old names – Woodville/Lady Dell Farm
Mount Farm
Run by Mr. Darvell at the turn of the century. RM
The Old Forge
This was the old forge that was worked by the blacksmith who lived at no. 28.
No. 28
The blacksmith’s cottage which was occupied by Mr. Owl who was also the grave digger as he had the right name! He was unfortunately rather deaf but his eyesight was good otherwise he could not have worked as a blacksmith – or been an owl! The foundry is the long brick building at the rear which still has the old forge chimney.
No. 29
No. 30
A Post office and general store was here at the turn of the century. RM This was the Post Office until 1910 and also sold sweets, soft drinks and some groceries and haberdashery; Miss Glenister who ran it often did not get up very early in the morning and on such occasions the maid would serve the children with sweets on the way to school when they received very good weight – she would tip up the jar to fill the bag – a good farthingsworth of “dolly mixtures”! (Note the letter box on the ivy covered wall on left in the photo.) FS
No. 31
A Post office and general store was here at the turn of the century until 1910 when it moved to the Old Village Shop. RM
Bedford Arms
Originally a farm and part of the original Chenies Manor it had a succession of tenant farmers including the Hardings, the Shepherds and the Puddephats. At one time prior to 1735 it was known as Shepherd‘s Farm.
1735: Prior to this date the site was known as Shepherd’s Farm.
1842: The main structure dates from this period (much of the building you see today).
1930s: Converted from a house to serve as a small eating house and bar, rather than a full hotel.
1934: A thunderbolt destroyed part of the chimney.
1957: The restaurant moved to its current location within the property.
1972: A fire destroyed part of the upper storey.
2000s: A new wing was added (2005), and later refurbishment in the 2010s upgraded it further as a hotel and event venue.
We always had to go for milk before breakfast, either to the Bedford Arms or to the Butchers, or if they were short of milk we went to Latimer. RM Also from Mr. Goodson at the Bedford Arms we would go along twice a day with tin cans with lids on to buy either fresh milk or skimmed, the latter was a can full for a penny. The Bedford also kept horse carriages and took people to and from the station, that being the only public transport as the buses only started to run through from Watford to Chesham about 1921. RM
Rooms were always reserved for the Duke of Bedford’s guests in the fishing season when they went down to the mill stream on the Chess. The Berkeley Coach drawn by four horses stopped at the “Bedford” on its way from Croxley and Rickmansworth to Amersham. The single storey building at the side used to be the stables and coach house where there were broughams, victorias and waggonettes. The old tap room (now the darts room) used to be frequented by the casual labourers who could not go home to lunch. They could cook their food on the fire; on wet days at harvest time they congregated in the tap room as there was nowhere else to go out of the rain. As casual labourers were often paid daily they would ask for a sub, because those who spent all their pay the evening before at the Bedford Arms would have nothing on the wet days for food or drink. FS
Betty Healing’s grandfather was coachman here
Blakeaway, Tom, manager at Bedford arms 1972 when fire
Field Cottage (No. 49)
This was the infants’ school where my mother went between 1865 and 1870. They played in the shed at the side which has long since been demolished. FS
Chenies Riding Stables (no longer standing)
Likely located somewhere between Field Cottage and the Old Village Shop, this was was once known as Home Farm which was part of the butcher’s business opposite (Home Close) and included two meadows, two fields and the glebe land adjoining the Old Rectory. Mr Hughes the butcher from Home Close and the Bedford Arms supplied the whole village with milk, while butter was churned at the Bedford Arms twice a week. FS
Old Village Shop
This was the dress shop (drapers) which sold material, bed linen and haberdashery. Miss Grace from the Drapers Shop came to Chenies school to teach us girls how to sew
The post office moved here about 1910. It became the Post Office and Antiques .
Home Close
This was once part of Home Farm which was part of the butcher’s business opposite and included two meadows, two fields and the glebe land adjoining the Old Rectory. Mr Hughes and the Bedford Arms supplied the whole village with milk, while butter was churned at the Bedford Arms twice a week. FS
At one time this was a farm, run by Mr. Hughes at the turn of the century. Mr Hughes kept cows, sold milk and ran the butchers shop. RM
Mr. Hughes the butcher lived here and the single storey brick building at the side was the shop with slaughterhouse behind – used for the odd sheep or pig. FS
Grafton Cottage
Plough Cottage No. 52
Many years ago this was The Plough public house. At one time the small cottage at the rear of 51/52 was occupied by a poacher (part time); one day the house was searched by a constable, but they found nothing as his wife had several joints of mutton tied up under her bustle. This was in the days when the punishment was transportation to Australia.
Private Harold Chilton lived here with his parents
Grafton Cottage, no 50
No. 53
Frank Smith moved here when he was married in December 1932. It had a front and back room with kitchen at the rear; upstairs there were two bedrooms; stairs led down to the cellar: the loo was outside.
No. 54
Home to Lewis and Alfred Brown’s parents Ernest and Sarah.
2 Red Lion Cottages
Honeysuckle Cottage
Likely residence of Betty Healings Grandmother after she retired from the Red Lion
Banner Rest (General Store)
Originally the coaching inn (the Red Lion) in the 1770’s before it was extended. By 1900’s it became the general store.
A general store was run here at the turn of the century. RM
This was the village store that sold everything and was run by Clara Kentish and her mother. There was grocery of every kind, haberdashery, oil for lamps (my bicycle). FS
In 1932 it became a private house, the original extensions now the Red Lion.
The Red Lion
This has changed little. Casual labourers would often spend all day when it was wet in the tap room at the rear. During the harvest on such occasions they would ask for a sub having spent all their money the day before here or at the Bedford Arms. FS
Between 1819 and 1830 the property was held by S Sams and J Bryant, having been conveyed to them by J Blake. In 1830, J and W Weller owned the premises for 100 years before it was acquired by Benskins. A selection of parish records and censuses between 1577 and 1861 give some interesting information. In 1577 a there were two ale houses in Chenies, one of which was the Goat Inn. The second could have been the Red Lion, however a variety of people seem to have been selling ale. In 1839 the tithe map lists the Red Lion as occupied by Samuel Clark, a wheelwright, and owned by Wellers, the Brewers of Amersham. The 1851 census has the same description but the occupier is now JM Hughes, wife and five children, one apprentice and one lodger. JM Hughes is described as a tailor and a beer seller. He moved to Little Green Street farm and died in 1884.
We also know that Betty Healing’s grandmother was licensee here for a while in the late 1800’s, and she moved to the cottage next door when she retired (most likely to be honeysuckle cottage as banners rest was owned by Mrs Kentish) along with Mr WestallWestell (whom she remarried) also the landlord along with her – had a pony and trap to pick up visitors from Chorleywood railway station.
Kingscote (once the Manse)
The Manse (once Rose Cottage)
McClean, Mrs – lived at Rose Cottage (now the Manse). Ran concerts at the school during the great war. RM
At one time occupied by the church organist. (Check notes to see if I have her name – think it is in a newspaper)
Private John Stanley Fursdon of the Hertfordshire Regiment died on 3Ist July 1917 at Ypres and was buried at Ypres (Memorial Gate) Memorial. His parents Rev. Robert W & Elizabeth Fursdon were residents at the Manse, and his father was the minister at the Baptist Church for over 34 years.
Body, Edith, – church organist at baptist, and dressmaker. (Lived at manse?), died 1966
Baptist Chapel
Old Rectory
107 White House (now the Old Rectory)
Once the residence of the Rector for St Michael’s (until a new Rectory was built next to the church). The first floor of the building at the side (now a garage) was the parish room where many a party took place years ago.
No. 8
These four cottages were the last to be built by the Duke of Bedford in 1867. Private Frank Chilton – 8, New Cottages died in war
Leading Stoker James Chilton – 8, New Cottages died in war
No. 9
These four cottages were the last to be built by the Duke of Bedford in 1867. Likely residence of Mrs Puddlephat
No. 10
These four cottages were the last to be built by the Duke of Bedford in 1867.
No. 11
These four cottages were the last to be built by the Duke of Bedford in 1867.
Almshouses (no longer standing)
Little Green Street Farm
Run by Mr. Woods at the turn of the century. RM
Frank Smith was born here (and his family lived here).
Bob Dickens worked here
Great Green Street Farm
Run by Mr. Woods at the turn of the century. RM
Fred Smith’s father used to work here
Tom Dickens worked here (in charge)
Shep Whites (No. 59)
Residence and office of the Duke of Bedford‘s estate agent who had approximately 10 men working on the estate to check up on the property and put things right if possible. Farmers came to pay their rent to him in a room at the Bedford Arms! FS
Residence of Tim Ashby in 50s
Chess Croft (No. 58)
Mr. Salmon the baker lived here from 1905 to 1972. He served teas in summer in the front room and in the garden. He made bread (naturally), jam, lettuces (grown), milk and eggs (produced) – he only had to buy tea and sugar. It was a very pleasant walk across Chorleywood Common from the station – they were lovely teas.
Cricket Club
Isen Barn
No. 48
Once the home of the Simmonds, Alfred and Annie, and their eight children – grandparents of Betty Healing.
No. 47
No. 46
No. 45
No. 44
Old Well Cottage (No. 42)
No. 41
Mr. Kilby lived here at the turn of the century and had a smallholding, and kept a pony and trap. His cherry trees were a great attraction at haymaking times when the children would help collect the hay and pile it into heaps to be carted to the rick (see below) My eldest brother worked after school for him, cutting the wood ready for lighting the fires and getting in coal, cleaning shoes and helping to clean the stable. For this he was paid the princely sum of eight pence per week. Mr Kilby also worked as butler to Miss Russell at Chenies House. RM
This used to be occupied by Mr. Kelly the butler to Miss Russell. FM (Some discrepancies with names here)
Forge End
Cherry Trees
At the turn of the century the cherry trees were a great attraction at haymaking times when the children would help Mr Kilby from No. 41 collect the hay and pile it into heaps to be carted to the rick. RM. We were usually given a handful of cherries as a reward.
The Pightle
Bedford Close (No. 1-15)
Behind the (once) council houses in Bedford Close there used to be a foundry which moved to Aylesbury early in the last century.
Claypits Cottages (No. 61-64)
Previously called “Claypits Cottages” and were believed to have been occupied many years ago as a “Rest House”, the entrance of which was under the arch in the middle of the building and is now bricked up. FS
This lane used to be known as Short Lane
Chenies School
Manor House
The whole estate until 1954, owned by the Duke’s of Bedford, they in turn kept a Bailiff here and about half a dozen men who worked full time keeping edges and grass verges cut and tidy, also the Church Cemetery. In the summer the wells in the yards of the cottages were cleaned out ready for the winter rains to fill them again. RM
The Bungalow
The Platt Cottages
Great House Farm Cottages No. 39-37
The Squirrels
Great House Farm
St Michael’s
Rev Shann – The Rector Mr. Shann came on Monday mornings to give scripture lessons RM. See article re son.
Rectory
Reginald and Elizabeth Shann lived here during ww1 with their son who died in the war
Chenies House Cottage
Chenies House
Chenies House was the home of Miss Russell. She was a small lady usually wearing black. I remember Mr. Kilby, who had been her butler, coming into the school and telling us she had died. After her, Lady Blandford lived at Chenies House. RM
The Old Goat (no longer standing)
The Lodge
Other:
Sheep Houses of Little Chalfont (once part of the village)
note who lived here. https://maps.nls.uk/view/101579718 – Private John Body of the rith BTN, Middiesex Regiment, died on 14th August 1918 and was buried at Monchy British Cemetery – Pas de Calais (France). He was the son of Joseph and Sarah Body, of 69 Sheep Houses, Chenies where his family had resided for several generations.
Watercress Beds
Mr Dollimore
Cottage of Betty Healing – a small house adjoining the larger last house on Moor Lane (on the corner with Dawes Lane) which was once the Cart and Horses and owned by her auntie and uncle. It had a smallholding/farm
Old house farm https://maps.nls.uk/view/101579718 Herbert Mason of the Royal Garrison Artillery https://local-heritage-list.org.uk/asset/9706 – photograph of the farm is on the site with Joe Bastin
Old Berkeley – end of home field road – joy Atkins grandparents
47 Mountwood Farm