We came over a sad road called Hockley in the Hole as full of deep slows, in winter it must be impassable, there is a very good pitch's Causey for foote people and horse that is raised up high from the Road.Celia Fiennes, Journeys, 1697.***We now see the most dismal Piece of Ground for Travelling, that ever was in England, handsomely repaired; namely from the Top of the chalky hill beyond Duntable down into Hockley lane, and through Hockley, justly called Hockley in the Hole...such a road for CoachesDaniel Defoe, Tour thro' the whole island of Great Britain, 1724.***Mr William Shaw, a Hockliffe farmer, had a tumour removed from his cheek in 1771. Surgeons were amazed to find it filled with gravel and small stones 'like a chicken's gizzard'. At Hockley in the Hole the English rage for novelty is strongly tempted by one sagacious publican, who informs us on his sign, newspapers to be seen at his house every day of the week.Thomas Pennant, 1783.***Hockliffe's situation is low, it was noted for its miry road, which of late years has been much improved.Lysons, Magna Britannia, 1806***Author Arnold Bennett lived at Trinity Hall Farm on the Watling Street at the turn of the century. His only attempt at popular detective fiction, Teresa of Watling Street, featured the strange intrigues of those who lived there and in the nearby village of Hockliffe.***In 1950, the Misses Grove of Hockliffe were baking 'long tin', 'sandwich', 'long half quartern sandwich' and 'high top', all weighing 13/4lbs, as well as a 'small loaf' weighing 1lb. These were classed as 'tinned bread', or bread made in tins, not moulded into shape by hand. 'Little odd bits', of which children were very fond, were also made.Thomas Bagshawe, Bedfordshire Magazine.***Hockliffe House, Watling Street (Grade II)Remains of medieval Hospital of St.John, one pointed chamfered arch, in early 19th century red brick house of 2 storeys. Hipped slate roof. South garden elevation has 3 sashes with glazing bars and doorhood on Doric columns. East elevation has similar doorhood.Dept. of Environment, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, Distrist of South Bedfordshire, 1980Hockliffe.netHistory of HockliffeTo provide further history information about Hockliffe, please fill in the form under ‘Contact’
We came over a sad road called Hockley in the Hole as full of deep slows, in winter it must be impassable, there is a very good
pitch's Causey for foote people and horse that is raised up high from the Road.
Celia Fiennes, Journeys, 1697.
***
We now see the most dismal Piece of Ground for Travelling, that ever was in England, handsomely repaired; namely from the Top of
the chalky hill beyond Duntable down into Hockley lane, and through Hockley, justly called Hockley in the Hole...such a road for
Coaches
Daniel Defoe, Tour thro' the whole island of Great Britain, 1724.
***
Mr William Shaw, a Hockliffe farmer, had a tumour removed from his cheek in 1771. Surgeons were amazed to find it filled with
gravel and small stones 'like a chicken's gizzard'. At Hockley in the Hole the English rage for novelty is strongly tempted by one
sagacious publican, who informs us on his sign, newspapers to be seen at his house every day of the week.
Thomas Pennant, 1783.
***
Hockliffe's situation is low, it was noted for its miry road, which of late years has been much improved.
Lysons, Magna Britannia, 1806
***
Author Arnold Bennett lived at Trinity Hall Farm on the Watling Street at the turn of the century. His only attempt at popular detective
fiction, Teresa of Watling Street, featured the strange intrigues of those who lived there and in the nearby village of Hockliffe.
***
In 1950, the Misses Grove of Hockliffe were baking 'long tin', 'sandwich', 'long half quartern sandwich' and 'high top', all weighing
13/4lbs, as well as a 'small loaf' weighing 1lb. These were classed as 'tinned bread', or bread made in tins, not moulded into shape
by hand. 'Little odd bits', of which children were very fond, were also made.
Thomas Bagshawe, Bedfordshire Magazine.
***
Hockliffe House, Watling Street (Grade II)
Remains of medieval Hospital of St.John, one pointed chamfered arch, in early 19th century red brick house of 2 storeys. Hipped
slate roof. South garden elevation has 3 sashes with glazing bars and doorhood on Doric columns. East elevation has similar
doorhood.
Dept. of Environment, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, Distrist of South Bedfordshire, 1980
Hockliffe.net
History of Hockliffe
To provide further history information about
Hockliffe, please fill in the form under ‘Contact’
