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Flackwell Heath is a village of about
6,000 people (1991 census) situated south east of High Wycombe, along
the top of a spur of the Chiltern Hills at a height of 450 feet (150
metres). On the north of the spur, the view is of the Wye valley with
the M40/A40 from London (J3 of the M40 is close by) finding its way
to High Wycombe and then onto Oxford. On the south side the view is
of the Thames valley with its wide flood plains. |
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What is known as Flackwell Heath today was in fact,
four villages, Flackwell Heath, Northern Woods (or North-End Woods),
Heath End and Sedgemore. The original existence of these villages
probably came about as a result of people crossing the Chilterns'
spur from one valley to the other, either for work in the mills of
the Wye valley or delivering goods to the Spade Oak wharf for shipment
by boat along the Thames. Over the years, particularly since the Second
World War, there has been a significant in filling between the villages
and the whole area is now known by the one name of Flackwell Heath. |
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The original villagers were predominantly farm labourers
with some bargemen and mill workers but in the late 19th century
this changed to favour the industrial mill workers, plus the emergence
of furniture workers as the industry for which High Wycombe is best
known became established. The village was well known for its cherry
orchards, "a place of annual resort and festivity during the cherry
season" with many cherry pickers travelling from London for the
annual event. Nowadays its inhabitants are commuters, wishing to
live in the proximity of, but separate from, High Wycombe, and generally
working either in London or the Thames Valley areas.
Last updated 28 May, 2007
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