Milton Keynes was built on top of at least 13 ancient villages, many listed in the Domesday Book. Here’s what remains of them today.
Most people don’t realise that Milton Keynes was built on top of — and around — at least 13 ancient English villages, many of which date back to the Domesday Book of 1086.
When the new town was designated in 1967, it absorbed existing settlements that had stood for centuries. Some were swallowed entirely into the new grid road network. Others survived largely intact and still exist today as distinct communities with their own character, history and charm.
Villages That Still Exist
Stony Stratford, Woburn Sands, Newport Pagnell and Olney all survived the expansion with their historic high streets largely intact. Walk through any of them and you’d never guess you were technically inside one of the UK’s newest cities.
Villages That Were Absorbed
Bradwell, Shenley Brook End, Woughton on the Green, Simpson and Walton all became absorbed into the new town’s grid, though many still have ancient churches and village greens that hint at their long history.
Woughton on the Green
One of the most striking survivals is Woughton on the Green — a tiny village complete with a 13th century church and traditional pub, sitting just metres from a modern grid road. It feels like stepping back 700 years.
This is part of our Discover MK series — facts, history and hidden stories about Milton Keynes.
