Having had a brief trip to the present yesterday, we are now continuing our journey back in time to look at Midsomer Murders locations that I have visited. Today's collage shows the village of Turville in Oxfordshire, 5 miles (8km) west of High Wycombe and and 5 miles (8 km) north of Henley-on-Thames.
The name Turville is Anglo-Saxon in origin and means 'dry field'. It was recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in 796 as Thyrefeld. Roman coins were found in the area in the 18th century, so there may have been earlier Roman settlement.
The manor of Turville once belonged to the abbey at St Albans, but was seized by the Crown in the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1547. The manor house has since been rebuilt as Turville Park. The present incumbent of the manor is Lord Sainsbury, of the J Sainsbury plc supermarket family.
Today, Turville is a quiet backwater, except when the film crews are there, and Midsomer Murders isn't the only thing filmed in Turville. The earliest film I've discovered that was filmed here was Went the Day Well?, a 1942 war film in which German paratroopers invade a small English village. Other films made here include Goodnight Mr Tom, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Father Came Too!. Tv filmed here includes episodes of Lewis, Marple, Foyle's War, Jonathan Creek, the New Avengers, Little Britain and The Vicar of Dibley, as well as Midsomer Murders. As you can see, it is a very popular location.
I can't explain why, but to me Turville is one of those very special places where I feel instantly at home. I've visited twice and felt that both times. On the second visit, I was on a long walk heading south from here. Ironically, though there wasn't filming here on that day, there was filming of a 1960s police drama at another village in the valley.
Great collage depicting this beautiful peaceful and tranquil town. It is great to see the places of the films I have seen, never knew it was all from this little town. Thanks for sharing
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Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I'm pleased that you are all enjoying these Midsomer villages. The Chiltern Hills are a beautiful part of the country, and I'm enjoying looking back on my visits there.
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A great collage, fav.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I'm pleased that you are all enjoying these Midsomer villages. The Chiltern Hills are a beautiful part of the country, and I'm enjoying looking back on my visits there.
Ian
Thank you Vesna - Turville is a lovely place to explore!
Ian