Thatched cottage, Blunham, Bedfordshire
Thatched cottage, Blunham

The small village of Blunham lies about 7 miles from Bedford. It is largely an agricultural centre, though well populated with commuters. There are several interesting older buildings, notably Manor House, and the village centre is designated for conservation.

The Saxons settled here as early as the 6th century. Today the only relic of those distant times is the Saxon font in the parish church.

At the time of the Doomsday Book, Blunham was jointly owned by Judith, niece of William the Conqueror, and the Abbot of Bury St Edmunds.

The church is unusually large, with a Norman door and arch dating to the 12th century. In the interior is a fine memorial brass for Sir Richard Manlaye.

Poet John Donne (of "no man is an island" fame) was rector of here from 1621 until his death in 1631. He was at that time also Dean of St. Paul's in London, and there is no record of how much time - if any - he actually spent at Blunham.

The village was for many years part of the Wrest Park estate owned by the de Grey family.

About Blunham
Address: Blunham, Bedfordshire, England
Attraction Type: Village
Location: Just off the A1 north of Sandy
Website: Blunham
Location map
OS: TL155515
Photo Credit: Michael Trolove, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence


HERITAGE

HeritageWe've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.

Historic Time Periods:

Saxon

Find other attractions tagged with:

12th century (Time Period) - 7th century (Time Period) - Domesday Book (Historical Reference) - Saxon (Time Period) - William the Conqueror (Person) -


NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest

Moggerhanger Park - 1.9 miles (Historic House) Heritage Rating

Roxton Congregational Church - 2 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Lodge Nature Reserve - 2.9 miles (Garden) Heritage Rating

Willington Dovecote and Stables - 3.1 miles (Historic Building) Heritage Rating

Little Barford, St Denys - 3.7 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Shuttleworth Collection - 4.1 miles (Museum) Heritage Rating

Swiss Garden - 4.5 miles (Garden) Heritage Rating

Biggleswade Castle - 4.7 miles (Castle) Heritage Rating



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