If you have read the village history, you will note that originally the village was built around an agricultural area, which was bounded by High Street, Station Road, Lovell Road and Church Lane (not Road as stated on the map accessed below). Planning permission for the erection of houses was applied for by the owner of this agricultural land in the middle/late 1960`s, and this was granted, with development commencing in 1968.
Therefore, all the central part of Oakley between the four roads mentioned above, has been built upon in the last 40 years, with the population approximately quadrupling in that time.
For a road map of the village layout, see the contact page.
Here is a satellite view of the village:
image © Google Maps
Village Tour
The tour starts in Church Lane and moves towards the Parish Church of St. Mary`s, where the oldest part was built during the 12th century. The picture shown was taken from the bottom end of Church Lane looking back towards the church. Turning into Lovell Road, we pass by the Old School House on the left hand side. In 1969, this was still being used as the village school, with at that time, a roll of about 60 children.
As the village developed, it became apparent that a new building was essential. The new Lower School was built in Station Road during the early 1970`s. Today, this listed building is used as a doctor`s surgery and day care centre for the elderly.
A little further along Lovell Road on the right hand side lie Lovell homes which were established as Warden controlled residences for the elderley of North Bedfordshire.
Doubling back a little way, we can turn right into Station Road, where on the left hand side we pass the two village schools, Lincroft Middle and Oakley Lower, the former built during the 1960’s and the latter, as mentioned above, during the early 1970’s.
Continuing up Station Road towards the intersection with the High Street, we pass on the right hand side rows of 19th century cottages built by the 7th Duke of Bedford for the tenants of his Estate.
See the history page for more information.
At the crossroads, we turn left into the High Street, where immediately on the left hand side stands the rebuilt Methodist Church and schoolroom – used today by the daily Pre-School Playgroup for the under 5`s, and by other groups in the village.
About 300 metres further down, we pass the old Village Store (now a hair & beauty salon) on the right handside, and the Village Post Office (right hand picture) on the left.
A little further on towards the junction with Church Lane, and again on the left is the Bedford Arms pub and restaurant.
The tour is now nearly complete, for after turning into Church Lane, we arrive back at Ruffs Furze.
However, there are two further photographs that show the pictorial beauty of the village, and these were taken in both directions from the old stone bridge over the River Ouse.
All photographs © David Allen