Jordans, Buckinghamshire
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Jordans | |
  Jordans shown within Buckinghamshire |
|
| OS grid reference | |
|---|---|
| District | Chiltern |
| Shire county | Buckinghamshire |
| Region | South East |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BEACONSFIELD |
| Postcode district | HP9 |
| Police | Thames Valley |
| Fire | Buckinghamshire |
| Ambulance | South Central |
| European Parliament | South East England |
| UK Parliament | Chesham & Amersham |
| List of places: UK • England • Buckinghamshire | |
Jordans is a village located in Chalfont St Giles parish in Buckinghamshire, England.
Jordans is a notable centre for Quakerism. The village is the burial place of William Penn, founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, making it a popular tourist attraction with Americans. Jordans is also the location of the Mayflower Barn, said to be made from the timbers of The Mayflower.
The village has a nursery, primary school and a community shop.
Contents |
[edit] History
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[edit] Demographics
Jordans has about 200 households and 700 residents.
[edit] Association with Quakerism
In the 17th century the village became a centre for Quakerism. One of the oldest Quaker Meeting Houses in the country is located in the village. The cemetery of the house is the burial place of William Penn, founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, as well as other notable Quakers. Close by the Quaker Meeting House is Old Jordans, originally a farm house, sold by the Quakers to Rivercrest Investments for development in March 2006.
[edit] Jordans Friends Meeting House
Jordans Friends Meeting House was built in 1688 shortly after the Declaration of Indulgence. The meeting room retains most of its original brick, including the bare brick floor, glass, panelling and benches.
The Meeting House suffered a serious fire on 10th March 2005. The modern extension was virtually destroyed and the roof of the original 17th century meeting room was severely damaged. The interior of the original meeting room escaped relatively unscathed, although it did suffer some water and smoke damage.
[edit] The Mayflower Barn
Within the grounds of Old Jordan is the Mayflower Barn, said to be built from the timbers of the Mayflower ship that took the Pilgrim Fathers to America.
[edit] Education
Jordans has a primary school (Jordans County First School) and Jordan's Village Nursery School.
[edit] Jordans First School
Located in Puers Lane, Jordans Village School is a state funded school, catering for years 1,2 and Reception (Ages 5-8). It is a feeder school for Seer Green School, Thorpe House School and Gayhurst School. The school educates about 60 pupils in total, with a student:teacher ratio of 1:12. The schools inspector OFSTED has commented "The school enjoys an ordered, welcoming and caring environment in which pupils are valued and respected and positive values and attitudes promoted."
[edit] Head Teachers
- Mrs Woodcock (?-1996)
- Mrs S. King (1997-1999)
- Mrs A.M Bennet (1999-2005)
- Mrs J. Galdies (Acting Head) (2005-2006)
- Mrs P. Farmer (2006-)
[edit] Transport
[edit] Road
Jordans is located 5 miles north west of the intersection of the M25 and M40 motorways (Junction 16/1A).
[edit] Rail
Jordans is served by the nearby Seer Green and Jordans railway station, operated by Chiltern Railways, on the London to Birmingham main line.
[edit] Leisure and amenities
Jordans retains a strong community atmosphere, despite not having a local pub. Every year, a number of events take place in the village, an annual fete, a sports day and a village supper. The Jordans Tennis Club is a small tennis club located within the village. It has one full size court and one hut. It holds about 7 roll-ups each year. The village also has a youth club.
[edit] Jordans village store
Jordans Village Store was opened in 1922. In addition to the usual staples, the shop also has its own brand of preserves. The shop also has a visiting Post Office. The shop is partly funded by a voluntary Shop Amenity Charge, £5 or £10 per month, which is paid by roughly half the households in the Village.
[edit] Allotments dispute
Jordans has approximately 6 allotments which are well used. In recent times, there has been a proposal for utilising the land for a small development of accommodation for the elderly. This is causing a dispute. Some argue that there is a need for more accommodation for old people while others argue that the houses are too large to be suitable for the elderly, and will not be used for their intended purpose. The village shareholders voted in favour of building at an EGM in early March, the votes being in about 100 in favour and 70 against.
[edit] Notable residents
Jordans is home to:
- Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne[1] who have a mansion just outside the village.
- Bill Turnbull, a BBC news anchorman
