INTRODUCTION (to MC)

Middleton Cheney is one of the largest villages in South Northants District, situated in the south west of Northamptonshire - 3 miles from Banbury, 2 miles from junction 11 on the M40 and 7 miles from Brackley. A variety of shops, a doctor’s surgery and a primary and secondary school serve the local community and the surrounding area. The diverse population, comprising families, young professionals and retired people enjoy the benefits of a wide range of clubs, organisations and activities, many with the encouragement and support of the Parish Council.

Since the relocation of large manufacturers to Banbury in the 1950s the village has developed with much new housing, however many older, 17^th and 18^th century cottages are hidden in the lanes leading away from the main roads. Originally an agricultural village which also supported a cottage textile industry, nowadays the residents are generally employed in nearby towns or commute along the M40 corridor.

Northants place names are mostly Anglo-Saxon and Danish. ‘Tun’ or ‘Ton’ was the saxon word for an enclosed farm, then later a village or town. After the Norman Conquest the lords added their family name to the manor they had been awarded. Simon de Chenduit held the manor in a 12^th century survey; John de Curci held a part in 1205. The name is ultimately derived from medieval latin, ‘casnetum’ (in old French becomes ‘chesnai’), which means oak grove.

Originally the village was divided in two; Upper or Church Middleton, and a hamlet a quarter of a mile to the east; Lower or Nether Middleton. According to the Reverend R.S. Baker, who wrote a history of Northamptonshire in 1889, the village was divided in this way as early as the reign of Henry II (1154-1189).

Middleton is also located near to the prehistoric track-way called Banbury Lane, which runs along the northern boundary. This was the main medieval route from Northampton to Banbury and the important period of its use would have been in the late 12^th century. Much of it is still an important road between the two towns.

During the English Civil War a battle took place on the 6^th May 1643 at Town Field, on the outskirts of the village. Two hundred and seventeen rebels were killed and the Parish Register records the burial of 46 parliamentary soldiers in the churchyard the following day. Some years ago, elderly village residents remembered that that there was a cross-shaped rose bed in this area of our churchyard which marked the graves of the unfortunate ‘Roundheads.’ It was firmly believed that the World War 1 memorial was erected on this site.