Published:
08:07 16 August 2022
Updated:
08:41 16 August 2022
Images in and around the village of Redbourn have been added to a gallery which aims to create the most comprehensive record of the Chilterns online.
A 37-photo album is now part of the Chiltern Society PhotoGroup’s online gallery. It offers a complete illustrated record of this ancient village and is supplemented by very informative legends. The new album follows a visit to the village by PhotoGroup members, each of whom contributed to the project.
The Priory was built between 1710-20. In the early 1970s it was extensively modified for commercial premises, with a rear extension. The dark red brick facade with vertical bands of red brick completes its status as a fine Georgian mansion. The front door is from the early 19th century and the porch is made of Tuscan wood. Surveying artist and cartographer Thomas Baskerfield, who has 235 drawings and plans listed in the British Library catalogue, used the house as a country residence. Source: https://www.redbournvillage.org.uk.
– Credit: S Crouch
The galleries on www.chilternphoto.org.uk include over 7,700 photographs from over 260 locations, from Luton in the North East to Goring in the South West. Other albums highlight members’ favorite choices or particular subjects, such as chalk rivers and streams, flora and fauna, canals, railways and nature reserves.
Redbourn Village Museum on The Common was originally the Silk Mill House, built in 1857 for the mill manager. It is a treasure of local history. Its fascinating occupations room provides insight into the incredible diversity of village jobs once available: straw weaving, hat making, silk spinning, jam factory and Brooke Bond tea packing factory. The museum recognizes Dr. Henry Stephens, a local physician and veterinarian from 1817 to 1828. He patented several writing inks and wood stains, including the famous Blue-Black fountain pen ink. Gordon Beningfield, the wildlife artist, and the Redbourn 900 cricket bat are also featured.
– Credit: K Hoffmeister
Group chairman Barry Hunt said: “It was something of an abnormality that the group had not visited Redbourn before, given the importance of the village and its long and fascinating history. We are therefore delighted that our visit to this outlying part of the Chilterns has resulted in a valuable contribution to our Galleries of Records, which are destined to be treasured for future generations.”
The Redbourn Scrapbook reflects the importance of the village in the days of training, before the arrival of the London-Birmingham Railway in 1838. It also makes reference to its thriving farming community which was for many years augmented by the making straw braids and hats, and even making jam.
St Mary’s at Church End is the parish church of Redbourn in the Diocese of St Albans. The Grade I listed Norman church was dedicated around 1110 but some of the masonry and brick facings reflect a Saxon influence. The nave, the west bell tower and the north aisle are the oldest parts. The choir was added in 1340 and a clerestory with two-light windows above the nave was added around 1478.
– Credit: Q Barrett
In addition to many Category II dwellings and buildings, it also features original images. The link for the new album on the PhotoGroup website is: chilternphoto.org.uk/index/category/345
Founded in May 1965, the Chiltern Society now has over 7,000 members and as such is one of the largest environmental groups in England directly associated with the conservation of one of the most beautiful protected landscapes in the world. country. It has over 400 active volunteers who protect the Chilterns’ heritage, landscapes, buildings and rivers, while maintaining the Chilterns’ footpaths and bridleways.
The company is also responsible for maintaining 12 woodland sites and nature parks previously under local council control included in an area of 650 square miles across parts of Bucks, Beds, Herts and South Oxfordshire. For more information about the Chiltern Society, contact Tracey Read on 01494 771250 or email office@chilternsociety.org.uk
