Felmersham Village
The history of Felmersham village goes back beyond Saxon times when it is believed there was a settlement on the raised ground south of the river Ouse on the higher ground. To the north of the river are flood plains that the River Gt. Ouse makes use of several times every winter. To aid villagers a raised footpath on pillars runs on the west side to the road out of the village across the river. Hence the village is never cut off by the flooding river as long as you are on foot.

The village was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, originally named as Falmeresham or Flammeresham. The church and the tithe barn are the oldest buildings in the village. The church, once connected with Trinity College, Cambridge, is regarded as one of the finest examples of the Early English style to be found in the county of Bedfordshire. The tithe barn, once reputed to be owned by monks from Lenton Priory, has now been converted into four dwellings.

Early in the 20th century the squire held his annual Ram Sale which was a major event, being a social gathering as well as a sale. People came from near and far and consumed large quantities of beer and bread and cheese (no doubt remembering to buy the odd ram or two!). The occasion was rounded off with a smoking concert.

Felmersham Feast was traditionally held on the first Sunday after the 26th August. It centred around the Sun Inn with roundabouts in Harvest Yard (the site of the present houses numbered 1-6 in Grange Road). By the 1930s the traditional Feasts had been replaced by garden fetes which were introduced by the owner of the Grange, Sir Richard Wells. A fete is still held in the village every year, profits being donated to the restoration of the church.
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This page last updated on the 18th of July 2006
Pack To Ouse Valley Map