This section has been kindly sponsored by Mike & Heather of The Red Lion
Restaurant, Bar Snacks & Real Ales - Renowned for the 'World Famous Red Lion
home-made pies' "Chiltern Food Pub of the Year 2008"
Tel: 01923 282722 www.redlionchenies.com
The Village was known as Isenhampstead until the middle of the thirteenth century, taking the name of ‘Chenies’ from the ‘Cheyne’ family who occupied the Manor House until the 16th Century. The village was the original family seat of the ‘Russells’ from 1526 coming into the possession of John, first Earl of Bedford on his marriage to the daughter of Sir Guy Sapcote, until 1954. It was sold in 1954 to raise part of the death duties arising on the death of the twelfth Duke.
A typical example of a feudal or ‘Close’ Village, Chenies was largely rebuilt during the period of great agricultural prosperity in the 1840’s and 1850’s, from which time many of the redbrick cottages date. Soon after this period of improvements Chenies was described as a ‘beautiful specimen of an English village’; and it remains so even to the present.
With thanks to Sue Crinage (Village resident 1985-1994) for the use of her Chenies Village illustrations. More of Sue's work can be found on her website: www.artsweb.co.uk | 
