Situated roughly 12 miles from Bicester, just over the border in Buckinghamshire, is the village of Long Crendon. It was so-named due to the shape of the village ('long'), and 'Crendon' is an Old English term, meaning 'Creoda's Hill'. Fun fact: the nearby village of Grendon Underwood was also once known simply as 'Crendon'! Therefore, it is possible that the 'long' part was added in order to distinguish between the two!

In 1218, the village was awarded a Royal Charter, giving official permission for a weekly market to be held there. During this period, Long Crendon was quite famous, as it was one of only two locations in the whole of England (the other being the nearby town of Aylesbury) where needles were manufactured! Later on, the Charter was rescinded, leading to the market being moved to Thame.

The village church, dedicated to St Mary, was originally built sometime during the 12th century, although it has undergone many alterations throughout its history. A Baptist and Roman Catholic Church also exist there.

One of the oldest surviving buildings in Long Crendon is the courthouse, which dates back to the 15th century - manorial courts were held here during the reign of King Henry V, right the way up until the Victorian era.

Many episodes of 'Midsomer Murders' have been filmed in the village, with several locals appearing as extras!

A Norman castle was built in Long Crendon by the Giffard family, but it was subsequently destroyed in 1233. Foundations of the castle were apparently still visible in 1705.

The Manor House (Church End) was built in 1660, although another similarly-named dwelling called Long Crendon Manor (Frogmore Lane) also exists in the village, parts of which can be dated back to the 14th century. The latter was restored and extended by architect Philip Tilden in 1920.

The village can boast over 100 properties listed by English Heritage, which is quite an achievement! One of these includes Tompson's Farm, which was apparently the home of Henry Tompson, who reputedly paid his rent in needles in 1614!

Dragon Farm (Lower End) was apparently the home of Christopher Greening, who was renowned for being the first person in England to manufacture steel needles in 1544. Nearby, at Warwick Farm, was where the first officially accredited Long Crendon needlemaker - Mr John Warwick - lived in 1679.

The image below is courtesy of the Long Crendon Village website, and shows the High Street as viewed from Burt's Lane, circa 1930.

The aforementioned website is full of fascinating information, so feel free to check it out: https://www.long-crendon.com/the-history-of-long-crendon/