Harlington, Bedfordshire

Harlington, Bedfordshire

Harlington is a small village in rural Bedfordshire 10 miles south of Bedford. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and there is an Iron Age hillfort on a nearby hill. There is also a nearby Roman cemetery. The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book.

History

Harlington is mentioned in the Domesday Book, where it is recorded as Herlingdone. The Norman lord of the manor was Nigel D'Albini, whose seat of power was Cainhoe Castle.

The Grade-I listed parish church, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, was begun in the first half of the 14th century. Highlights include 15th-century roofs in the nave and aisles, a 14th-century font, and a marble memorial to remember James Astry (d. 1716).

The Black Death hit Harlington with deadly force in 1349, killing more than 25 per cent of the residents.

Harlington played a part in the tumultuous history of author John Bunyan, for it was near here in 1660 that Bunyan held an unauthorised religious gathering. For this he was arrested and questioned at Harlington House (renamed later as Harlington Manor). Bunyan was sentenced to serve a dozen years in Bedford Gaol, and it was during this time that he began writing 'The Pilgrim's Progress'.

Harlington Manor is a rambling house with its roots in the late 14th century. It overlooks Bury Orchard, the village common. The common was the site of the first known English National Steeplechase in 1830.

We do not know who built the manor house, but the Burwell family were in residence by 1500. From the Burwells the house passed to the Wingate family, and it was Sir richard Wingate who questioned John Bunyan.

King Charles II is thought to have stayed at Harlington House as a way of showing his gratitude for Sir Richard's role in suppressing Bunyan's sedition.