Local History

Burnham, Buckinghamshire

Population:  12,512 (as of Census 2021)

Burnham is a village in south Buckinghamshire, set on rising ground near the River Thames, with numerous underground streams draining towards the river.

 

Early History

Archaeological evidence shows people passing through the area from Stone Age times onwards, likely using the Thames as a key transport route. Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, Burnham is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as having 28 villagers, 7 smallholders and 2 slaves, with woodland sufficient for 600 pigs.

 

Faith and Heritage

St Peter’s Church, near Burnham High Street, has existed since at least the 12th century and remains a focal point of the village.
Burnham Abbey was founded in 1266 and dissolved in 1539. The site later became home to an enclosed Anglican religious community from 1916 until 2024.

​

Trade and Transport

Burnham High Street runs north to south and has long supported a range of shops and local trades. From 1830, a carrier service ran twice weekly to London until 1907.

A coach service also connected Burnham with London in 1830 travelling via Stoke Poges, Iver and Hayes.

Coaching services also connected Burnham with London in the early 19th century.

The Great Western Railway passed through Burnham parish in the 19th century, with a station at Taplow opening in 1838.

Burnham Beeches Station opened in July 1899, they are now on

 

Local Government and Community

The first meeting of the newly elected Burnham Parish Council took place on 31 December 1894. In 1905, land on Gore Road was purchased by Edward Clifton-Brown for the construction of a Village Hall.

After the First World War, land in Cippenham then part of Burnham parish, was used as a depot for repairing and selling returned military vehicles. This later developed into the Slough Trading Estate.

In 1920, Burnham’s first council houses were completed and named Orchardville. Burnham Park Hall opened in 1965, providing space for council business and community use, and the village War Memorial was relocated into the park. The hall was demolished in 2009 and rebuilt to provide more modern facilities.

 

Burnham Today

Today, Burnham remains a vibrant community with active involvement in welfare, sport, health initiatives and social events, continuing a long tradition of local engagement and civic life.