22/03/2025
Here's a more detailed look at Fenny Stratford's history:
Early Origins:
The town was recorded in manorial rolls in 1252 as "Fenni Stratford".
It was an independent town before becoming part of the Milton Keynes "designated area" in 1967.
Fenny Stratford is located at the south-eastern edge of Milton Keynes and serves as a gateway for northbound travelers on the A5.
Market Town Status:
King James I awarded a market charter in 1608, formally making it a town.
Fenny Stratford was known for its weekly market for many years until 1665 when the town was badly hit by the bubonic plague.
Roman Watling Street:
Fenny Stratford High Street and the London road follow the line of the Roman Watling Street.
The original course of Watling Street ran to the north-east of the present straight road alignment, following Belvedere Lane northwards to Belvedere Farm.
Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Civil Parish:
Bletchley and Fenny Stratford is a civil parish with a town council, formed in 2001 from the unparished area of Milton Keynes.
Together with West Bletchley, it forms the Bletchley built-up area.
Industrial History:
In the 1800s, the area between Aylesbury Street and Stag Street was laid out, with streets like Church Street, George Street, Denmark Street, and Vicarage Road linking them.
The Bletchley Iron and Tinplate Works, founded by Charles Stuart, repaired agricultural machines and was an agent for other manufacturers.
Charles Stuart's son, Herbert Ackroyd Stuart, patented the first heavy oil engine in 1890.
Local Stories:
Many people remember the traditional chemist shop interior at No. 1 Victoria Road, which was Corden's for over 60 years.
Before Mr. Corden senior moved his business there in the mid-1930s, the building was the home of a Mr. Kirby, a member of the fledgling Fenny Stratford council.