Chalfont St Giles

The Parish of Chalfont St Giles is in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the edge of the Chiltern Hills. It has much to offer the visitor including sightseeing, refreshments and shopping.

About

It also encompasses the smaller village of Jordans – famous as the last resting place of William Penn and his family – and the hamlet of Three Households which lies between the two villages and was renowned for its cherry and apple orchards.

Getting Here

Chalfont St Giles is situated on the A413 between Denham and Amersham. The village is just one hour’s drive from central London or half an hour from West London, Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Watford. Take Junction 16 or 18 off the M25 or Junction 1 or 2 off the M40. Using satellite navigation, the centre of the village is found at postcode HP8 4QQ.

Chiltern Line trains from Marylebone serve our two local stations Seer Green & Jordans and Chalfont & Latimer (which is also served by Metropolitan Line trains from Baker Street)

Markets, Festivals and Events

The Village Market, is the third Saturday of every month from 10am-3pm. Showcasing the best local artists, crafters, food producers and ethical businesses. Locally made arts & crafts, gifts, vintage, homewares and clothing.

Chalfont St Giles & Jordans Literary Festival: biennially in May in even numbered years at locations throughout the village. Full details at: www.chalfontstgilesliteraryfestival.org.uk

Chalfont St Giles Show: First Saturday in September in Stone Meadow (www.csgshow.org)

Claim to Fame

ln July 1665, John Milton, one of England’s greatest poets and political thinkers, and his third wife came to Chalfont St Giles from Bunhill Fields in the City of London to escape the plague then raging in the city. ln this 16th century cottage, now a Grade I listed building, Milton completed Paradise Lost and commenced writing its sequel, Paradise Regained. The cottage is the only surviving building in which Milton is known to have lived. Milton’s Cottage is open April to October, Wednesday to Saturday, plus Bank Holidays and the 4th Sunday of every calendar month, from 2.00pm to 5.00pm (last entries 4.30pm).

For up to date information about opening times, special events and exhibitions see: www.miltonscottage.org

Filming Locations

The town’s pub Merlin’s (the original pub featured in BBC television’s version of Chaucer’s The Miller’s Tale). Dad’s Army enthusiasts will recognise Captain Mainwaring’s bank, the door to which is now a window in Costa Coffee. As well as the butcher, greengrocer and baker (the first two both having featured in Dad’s Army.

Did you know?

Set in 45 acres of beautiful parkland and woods are over 30 rescued historic buildings, furnished as homes and places of work or worship. Find Chiltern Open Air Museum, founded in 1976, with the aim of rescuing threatened buildings which are unique examples of the heritage of the Chilterns.

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