| Postcards of the Past |
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| Olney, Buckinghamshire |
| Click here to see our collection of old postcards of Olney. |
Olney is a small (pop c 7500) market town in North Buckinghamshire, roughly
equidistant from Bedford, Northampton and Milton Keynes. Like most places it has
expanded in recent years, but has still managed to retain much of its old character and
beauty. I've lived here since 1980 - hence my interest !!
Pancake Race. The town is known around the world for its annual Pancake Race - held,
as you might expect, every Shrove Tuesday. The race dates back to 1445, and is for
women of the town who race from the starting line outside the "Bull" to the church, some
415 yards away - with of course a frying pan and a pancake. In 1950 the race became an
International event when the Vicar of Olney, Canon Collins received a challenge from the
town of Liberal in Kansas. A similar race now takes place there on Pancake Day and the
winning times compared to find an overall winner.
Olney Hymns. The poet William Cowper lived in Olney and in nearby Weston
Underwood in the eighteenth century. Together with the curate of Olney, John Newton,
they produced the "Olney Hymns", one of which is "Amazing Grace". Newton is buried in
Olney churchyard.
equidistant from Bedford, Northampton and Milton Keynes. Like most places it has
expanded in recent years, but has still managed to retain much of its old character and
beauty. I've lived here since 1980 - hence my interest !!
Pancake Race. The town is known around the world for its annual Pancake Race - held,
as you might expect, every Shrove Tuesday. The race dates back to 1445, and is for
women of the town who race from the starting line outside the "Bull" to the church, some
415 yards away - with of course a frying pan and a pancake. In 1950 the race became an
International event when the Vicar of Olney, Canon Collins received a challenge from the
town of Liberal in Kansas. A similar race now takes place there on Pancake Day and the
winning times compared to find an overall winner.
Olney Hymns. The poet William Cowper lived in Olney and in nearby Weston
Underwood in the eighteenth century. Together with the curate of Olney, John Newton,
they produced the "Olney Hymns", one of which is "Amazing Grace". Newton is buried in
Olney churchyard.
If you have any memories, interesting facts or some old postcards of
Olney which you would like to see here, please get in touch - we'd be
delighted to hear from you !
Olney which you would like to see here, please get in touch - we'd be
delighted to hear from you !
| Click here to see the Postcards ! |