Book Launch

Calverton Manor Farm - A Century of Memories

Living Archive’s latest book about Milton Keynes’ special heritage focuses on Calverton Manor Farm, near Stony Stratford.  It was once on the packhorse lane from Bedford to Aylesbury, part of a huge estate which was sold 400 years ago to a Lord Mayor of London, Sir Thomas Bennet. The farm was purchased by the Fountaine family in 1922, and this book tells the story of the family and the workers.

As with all its projects, Living Archive has recorded people’s memories and experiences and created a special means to celebrate their lives. The result here is a delightful book of what it was like to live and work on the farm. It is illustrated with old photographs and stories rich in humour and poignancy. For example, imagine as a child trying to drive a herd of cattle from Wolverton Station to Stony Stratford; or as an experienced farm-hand, getting on a tractor for the first time and trying to stop it by saying ‘Whoa!’. Or imagine ‘going night-rabbiting’ on a motor-bike…

The book costs £5.00 and is available from Living Archive or online

The launch was held on 10th May and guests were treated to a special performance from the Living Archive Band who performed 3 new songs inspired by the memories in the book.

See images from the event below.