Discover Olney: Church History, Lace-Making and Traditions

Olney offers a range of starting points for planning a trip: a listed church, the history of lace-making, the Olney Pancake Race, as well as markets and walking routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Olney, you can consider whether history, an event date or a walk is the main focus of your stay.

Church, literature and remembrance

St Peter and Paul is a Grade I listed church dating from the 14th century. Its notable features include an unusual openwork spire, characteristic of Northamptonshire. The church has historical links to John Newton and William Cowper. Newton is buried in the churchyard. At the Cowper & Newton Museum, one room is devoted to Newton’s life in Olney while he was curate of St Peter & St Paul. Orchard Side House was the home of the poet William Cowper from 1768 to 1786.

Olney’s war memorial also records part of the town’s history. The Grade II listed First World War memorial was unveiled in 1921 and commemorates 60 members of the local community who lost their lives in that war. Plaques commemorating the Second World War were added later. The memorial therefore brings together remembrance of the First World War and later additions commemorating the Second.

Lace-making and the museum

From the late 16th century to the late 19th century, Olney was a lace-making town. The Lacemakers Room at the Cowper & Newton Museum, which opened in August 2021, tells the story of lace-makers in Olney and the surrounding villages. Displays, lace on exhibit and lace-making tools bring the subject to life. The museum’s historic house also contains many personal artefacts and objects.

The museum also has a Flower Garden, where plants introduced to the United Kingdom before 1800 grow. Another local work connected with lace-making is the Lace & Grace sculpture, which stands outside the Olney Community Centre on Winterbottom Way. These different stops show Olney’s cultural history from various perspectives, from traditional crafts to their portrayal in public spaces.

Pancake Race, markets and walking routes

The Olney Pancake Race takes place every year on Shrove Tuesday; the tradition dates back to 1445. St Peter and Paul is the venue for the race. Since 1950, Olney has also competed in an international Pancake Race against the women of Liberal, Kansas, in the United States. Shrove Tuesday is therefore a specific date to bear in mind when planning your trip if you are interested in this tradition.

Spring events include the Cherry Fair near St Peter and Paul. Check event dates before travelling. The Farmers Market takes place on the first Sunday of each month and offers locally produced goods; it is also worth checking the date before your visit. A 2018 retail study by Milton Keynes City Council also mentions a weekly Thursday market in the market square. Before travelling, check whether that information from the time still reflects current market days and hours.

There are two described starting points for a walking tour in the market square. The Olney High Street Heritage Trail begins on the pavement outside the Cherry Tree Restaurant, formerly called Westlands; allow about 45 to 60 minutes to walk the route. A self-guided circular walk starts outside the Cowper & Newton Museum in the market square. The stated starting points differ, although both are in the market square.

Green spaces and a stay in Olney

The Recreation Fields lead to the river and include a children’s playground. The Barnfield is designated a “local wildlife site”. Together with the Flower Garden, these places add other aspects of Olney to its churches, museums and events.

Discover more destinations: Broughton, Sherington, Bletchley, Willen, Newport Pagnell, Crownhill, Moulsoe, Stony Stratford.

For the broader travel overview: Milton Keynes.