Notice Of Vacancy In Office Of Councillor
The Parish Council has a vacancy for an elected councillor. Interested residents can apply through the electoral process.
Notice3 min read
History & Heritage
From medieval manors to military aviation, discover Henlow's rich thousand-year history
The Name “Henlow”
Henlow derives from the Old English henna hlaw, meaning “hill of birds” or “hill frequented by birds” - a poetic name reflecting our village's natural setting along the River Ivel
Through the Centuries
Medieval Period
The Three Manors
Henlow's medieval history centres around three manors mentioned in the Domesday Book: Henlow Warden, Henlow Llanthony, and Henlow de Grey. These manors shaped the early development of our village.
- Domesday Book records from 1086
- St Mary's Church built in 12th century
- Agricultural community development
- Medieval manor system
17th Century
The Mayflower Connection
Two Henlow families made history by sailing to America aboard the Mayflower on 6th September 1620, reaching the New World 66 days later.
- John Tilley, wife Joan & daughter Elizabeth
- Edward Tilley, wife Agnes
- Henry Samson & Humility Cooper (nephew & niece)
- Plymouth departure 1620
20th Century
RAF Henlow Era
In 1918, Henlow transformed with the establishment of RAF Henlow, becoming a vital military aviation centre that shaped the village for over a century.
- Established 1918 for Royal Flying Corps
- First parachute testing centre (1920)
- Hurricane assembly during WWII
- Technical training college (1947-1965)
RAF Henlow: A Century of Aviation History
For over 100 years, RAF Henlow was integral to British military aviation. From its establishment in 1918 to the cessation of flying in 2020, the base shaped both our village and aviation history.
During World War II, Henlow assembled over 1,000 Hawker Hurricanes - about 10% of the total production - which had been built in Canada and shipped here for final assembly and testing.
Key Functions
- School of Aeronautical Engineering
- Parachute Testing Unit
- Technical Training College
- Aircraft Repair Depot
RAF Henlow Timeline
1917
Chosen as military aircraft repair depot
1918
Built by MacAlpine, opened for Royal Flying Corps
1920
Became first parachute testing centre
1940s
Assembled over 1,000 Hawker Hurricanes from Canada
1947
RAF technical training college established
1965
College amalgamated with RAF Cranwell
2020
Flying activity ceased in July
Historic Buildings & Landmarks
St Mary's Church
Grade I listed church with parts dating from the 12th century. Dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, it has served as the spiritual heart of Henlow for nearly 900 years.
Henlow Grange
Historic building near the River Ivel with parts dating to 1680. Once home to Colonial Secretary Alan Lennox-Boyd, now part of the Champneys health spa group.
Belfast Hangars
Four historic Belfast Hangars at RAF Henlow are now listed buildings, preserved as monuments to our aviation heritage and the base's crucial role in British military history.
Notable Residents
Alan Tindall Lennox-Boyd
1930s-1950s•Henlow Grange•Colonial Secretary
Resident of Henlow Grange, represented Mid-Bedfordshire in Parliament and later became Lord Boyd of Merton. Responsible for granting independence to many former British colonies.
Preserving Our Heritage
The Parish Council works to preserve and celebrate Henlow's rich history. If you have historical photographs, documents, or memories to share, we'd love to hear from you.
Share Your Henlow Memories