Middleton Fish Ponds

Introduction

Village History and Origins

When the New City of Milton Keynes was planned in the 1960s, those searching for a name lighted upon the ancient village of Milton Keynes, which was within the designated area and appeared to have attractive associations with the poet and economist. In fact the village had been named in Saxon times and appeared in the Domesday book as Midletone. This meant the middle of three settlements or farmsteads, the other settlements probably being Bro(c)tone (Broughton) and Waltone (Walton).

The Keynes Suffix was added in the 12th century when the Lords of the Manor were of the de Cahaignes (Keynes) Family. The first part of the name was gradually shortened to Milton although some documents used the form Middleton right up to the 19th century. The Milton Keynes Development Corporation reused the name Middleton for the grid square in which the village sits so things have come full circle!

The original historic village retains a village green, thatched pub and heritage buildings.

Milton Keynes Village Fishponds

These fishponds, like those at Woolstone were used to store fish. Fish was an essential part of the medieval diet for the wealthy as it was a Christian tradition to eat fish on a Friday. The stocks of fish that were fattened up here would have supplied the Manor house and being used as gifts.

Discover

Look out for:

• All Saints’ Church – A 14th century monument
• MK Fishponds – located behind the church
• The monastic platform – you are standing on a once platform surrounded by water near the church’s trees
• Willow trees

Doveshote Hop Yard

The fields were once a farmyard for hops to make beer. A dovecot was located here, keeping the doves for food. Don’t worry, this was long ago – the doves now fly free around the village.