The Hamlet of Bourne End
Bourne End in its early life was a Hamlet within the Parish of Hedsor. Its neighbouring parishes of Cores End and Well End were not.
At some point around the 3rd quarter of the 1800’s parish boundaries were reorganised. With the majority of Bourne End becoming under the wing of Wooburn Parish. This can be seen in from the two crops from maps from around the 1870’s & 1880’s.
Bourne End – Hedsor Parish (cOS 1876)
Bourne End Hedsor parish ~1890
The parish boundary today sits down the centre of (upper) Hedsor Road, the south side being Hedsor Parish, the North Wooburn Parish. – today one village in two parishes.
What was the original Hamlet of Bourne End, is still easily recognisable, and to a large extent has changed little over the past 100 years. – its older properties, mature trees and surrounding fields, and narrow country roads
In effect Bourne End Hamlet still survives today, but part of a wider Bourne End Village
The fact that Hedsor parish is part in Bourne End Village, that of the original hamlet – raises some questions:
- Could Hedsor Parish boundary be moved to encompass the wider area of what was Bourne End Hamlet?
- Would Hedsor Parish want us?- many locals use from Wooburn parish use Hedsor Parish church
Wooburn & Hedsor Parish Boundary
Put Bourne End Hamlet back into the Parish of Hedsor?