Timeline

c. 1086 Norman Survey (Domesday Book)

The manor is recorded as belonging to the powerful Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, and is managed by his tenant, Robert. Its taxable value is £4.

1204 Royal Charter for Falconry Duty

King John issues a charter confirming the royal duty of Keeper of the King's Hawks to Thomas Fitz-Bernard and his heirs.

1229 Church Grant Confirmed

A legal agreement (a fine) is made between Ralph Fitz-Bernard and the Prioress of Stodeley, further securing the nunnery's rights to the church.

1255-1278 Land Held by Royal Service

Ilmer is mentioned in the Hundred Rolls (Rotuli Hundredorum) as being held by John son of Bernard by serjeanty, a form of land tenure requiring personal service to the king, which in this case was the keeping of his goshawks.

21 Oct. 1267 New Vicar Appointed

Walter de Ilmere is appointed as the new vicar by Elizabeth, Prioress of Stodley.

c. 1278 Land Granted to Stodley Priory

The Hundred Rolls record that Albreda de Jarpanwile, aunt of the manor's holder, gave one virgate of land (approximately 30 acres) in Ilmer in 'pure alms' to the Prioress of Stodley.

1305 Death of Ralph Fitz-Bernard

Ralph Fitz-Bernard dies while holding the title to the manor of Ilmer.

c. 1327-1377 Poverty Assessment

During the reign of Edward III, a tax report confirms that the residents of Ilmer were too poor to properly farm the land.

1335 Manor Sold to de Molyns

John Blacket the elder sells the Ilmer estate to the powerful and influential Sir John de Molyns.

1337 Feudal Privileges Granted

Sir John de Molyns is granted exclusive hunting rights (known as 'free warren') and other valuable feudal privileges for his estates.

Mar. 1338 Manor Held in Serjeanty

Sir John Moleyns of Stoke Poges held the manor of Ilmer in serjeanty as keeper of the king's hawks.

1346 Manor Restored

The manor is returned to Sir John de Molyns, along with a new charter confirming his ownership and the royal services attached to it.

9 Mar. 1349 Vicar Granted Land

Sir Richard Gladewyne, vicar, was granted a plot 100ft x 50ft, facing east by John de Molyns. An additional grant of 2 plots totalling 7.5 acres was also made.

res. 1349 Vicar Richard Gladwin Resigns

Richard Gladwin resigns from his position as Vicar of Ilmer.

1360 Death of Sir John Molines

Sir John Molines dies.

1381 Property Descends to Sir Richard Molines

Ilmer property descends to Sir Richard Molines.

21 May 1388 New Vicar Appointed

Thomas Haddon is appointed as vicar by Elizabeth Freemantle, the Prioress of Stodley.

27 Nov. 1397 New Vicar Appointed After Resignation

After Robert Green resigns, John Chicheley is appointed as the new vicar.

1409 Royal Service Defined

The specific duty for holding the manor is defined as feeding the King's falcons and presenting one sparrow-hawk to the King each year.

4 Aug. 1424 New Vicar Formally Admitted

William Gibbes is formally admitted as the Vicar of Ilmer.

13 Sept. 1447 New Vicar Appointed

Thomas Spencer is appointed as vicar by the Convent of Studley.

d. 1452 Death of Vicar Howes

Thomas (or John) Howes, who had been vicar since at least 1447, dies.

1461 Lands Forfeited During Wars of the Roses

As a Lancastrian supporter, Robert Hungerford is declared a traitor by Parliament, and all his lands are forfeited to the Crown.

res. 1466 Vicar Robert Byrcham Resigns

Robert Byrcham resigns his position as vicar.

1474 Property Sales During Forfeiture

A legal transaction (a fine) is recorded for Ilmer and other manors, suggesting parts of the estate were sold off while seized by the Crown.

22 Dec. 1479 New Vicar Appointed After Resignation

Richard ap Jenner is appointed vicar after Robert Richardson resigns in his favour.

c. 1500 First Bell Cast

The first of the three church bells was cast. It is inscribed Sancta Margareta ora pro nobis. Between 1494-1509, William Hasylwood, the likely founder of this bell, wass active as a bell caster at his foundry in Reading

d. 1516 Death of Vicar Taylor

John Taylor, the Vicar of Ilmer, dies.

26 Feb. 1539 Church Property Granted After Dissolution

Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, King Henry VIII grants the church property and its income (the Rectory) to John Croke of Chilton.

1543 Death of Earl of Huntingdon

George, Earl of Huntingdon, dies. His family had acquired the manor by marrying the Hungerford heiress.

1552 Death of Sir Robert Dormer

Sir Robert Dormer died.

c. 1553 Dormer Family Acquires Manor

The manor is now owned by the Dormer family. A royal inquiry confirms that William Dormer holds the title to Ilmer.

11 Jan. 1558 New Vicar Appointed

John Swainson is appointed as vicar by the lord of the manor, Sir Robert Dormer.

7 Oct. 1568 Vicar Prepares Will

Vicar John Swainson writes his will, asking to be buried in the chancel of Ilmer church.

12 Aug. 1585 Crown Sells Off Former Church Lands

Queen Elizabeth I grants small parcels of land, originally given to fund lights in the church, to new owners.

22 Dec. 1590 Crown Sells More Church Land

The Queen grants another two and a half acres of former church land to new owners.

1599 Parish Taxed for Royal Household

Ilmer is taxed to provide beef and mutton for Queen Elizabeth I's household.

10 June 1615 Robert Dormer Becomes a Baronet

Sir Robert Dormer is elevated to the rank of Baronet.

18 Nov. 1616 Death of Baron Dormer

Baron Dormer, who as lord of the manor was also the King's Master Falconer, dies.

17 Jul. 1637 Steeple Reported in Need of Repair

Bishop Williams of Lincoln reported that 'The steeple to be repaired in the whole'. By the 19th century, the church had no steeple. It is not known when or why it was removed.

24 Jun. 1643 Death of John Hampden

John Hampden died in Thame aged 48. His body was buried on June 25th at Great Hampden. Some speculate that the funeral procession may have passed through Ilmer.

Oct. 1647 New Minister Appointed by Parliament

Thomas Lillington is appointed to the position after its income was seized by Parliament (a process called sequestration).

c. 1657 Parish Farmland Enclosed

The traditional open-field farming system in Ilmer is ended as the entire parish is enclosed into private fields.

1662 Licence to Remove Church Vestry

A licence was granted to remove the church vestry on the south side.

1677 William Lillingston Becomes Vicar

William Lillingston became vicar of Ilmer.

8 June 1677 New Vicar Appointed

John Lillingston is appointed as the new vicar by Charles Dormer, Earl of Carnarvon.

1682 Curate Licensed

William Lillingston, the vicar's son, is officially licensed to serve as the assistant priest (Curate) in Ilmer.

23 April 1685 Falconry Claim Denied at Coronation

At the coronation of King James II, Charles Dormer, 2nd Earl of Carnarvon claim to the hereditary role of Marshall, Surveyor and Conservator of His Majesties Hawks in England is denied. The role was held due to his holding of the Manor of Ilmer.

1694 Highway Repair Indictment Discharged

Ilmer inhabitants were discharged from an indictment after repairing the highway from Bicester to Wycombe through Ilmer.

26 Sept. 1700 Death of Former Vicar Palmer

Matthew Palmer, a former vicar of Ilmer, is buried at the nearby parish of Dinton.

1714 Death of Philip Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Chesterfield

Philip Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Chesterfield, widower of Elizabeth Dormer, died.

1722 Henry Stanbridge Becomes Vicar

Henry Stanbridge became vicar of Ilmer.

4 Oct. 1722 Inhabitants Cited Again for Unrepaired Highways

The inhabitants of Ilmer were cited for not repairing the highways.

27 May 1731 Small Tithes Dispute

An order for William Bowden of Ilmer to pay John Grace of Princes Risborough for two years' small tithes of wool and lamb was quashed.

1746 James Andrew Becomes Vicar

James Andrew became vicar of Ilmer.

14 Sep. 1752 Change of calendar

The UK changed from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar.

1776 Poor Relief Costs Recorded

The annual cost of supporting the parish's poor is recorded as £47 12s.

1783 Poor Relief Costs Drop

The cost of supporting the parish's poor drops significantly to £28.

Nov. 1795 Farm Occupied by Thomas Kingham for Sale

A farm in the occupation of Thomas Kingham was put up for sale.

1806 Population Recorded

The population of Ilmer was 74, with 13 inhabited houses and 13 families.

1809 Ilmer Manor Sold to Joseph Franklin

Ilmer Manor was sold to Joseph Franklin.

1811 Deed of Lower Farm

A deed for Lower Farm, Ilmer, was recorded.

1816 Vicarage Income Increases

The vicar's annual income is reported to have increased to £97.

1821 Parish Census

The national census records that Ilmer contains only 12 houses and a total population of 68 people.

3 Jul. 1824 Ilmer Manor and Dairy Farms for Sale

Ilmer Manor and dairy farms were put up for sale, with farms occupied by Abraham Eyre, John West, A Wooster, John Tappin, and John Gomme.

28 Apr. 1829 Bastardy Case

William Stratford was noted as the father of the female bastard child of Rebecca Rutland of Stoke Mandeville and was ordered to pay 1s6d per week.

16 Nov. 1831 Cottages and Land at Lockington for Sale

Cottages and Land at Lockington, currently occupied by John Allen, were to be sold.

1831 Birth of David Goodchild

David Goodchild was born in Risborough.

1834 Partridge Appointed Vicar by Earl

W.E. Partridge was appointed vicar by the 6th Earl of Chesterfield.

1837 Farm Occupants Recorded

John Eggleton Junr was at Middle House Farm and John Tapping at Upper House Farm.

1839 Manor Ownership Recorded

Moreton John Edward Frewen and Vice Admiral Henry Raper were joint owners of the manor.

1848 Partridge Becomes Owner of Horsenden Manor

W.E. Partridge becomes owner of Horsenden Manor.

1851 Population Recorded

The population was 82.

1858 Church Patronage Sold

The church patronage was sold by George Stanhope, 6th Earl of Chesterfield to W.E. Partridge, vicar of Ilmer.

30 Aug. 1860 Restored Church Reopened

Following extensive restoration by G.E. Street, St. Peter's Church is formally reopened on Thursday, 30th August, by Bishop Samuel Wilberforce, just two months after his famous Oxford debate opposing Darwin's theory of evolution.

1861 Population Recorded

The population was 79.

1862 Lord of the Manor

Moreton John Edwin Frewen was the Lord of the Manor.

20 Feb. 1865 Architect Discusses Rood Screen

Architect George Edmund Street, who had overseen the church's restoration, read a paper to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). He discussed the church's middle-pointed rood screen, noting its unusual stone base and suggesting it was created by the same craftsman responsible for the screen at Thame.

1866 Death of George Stanhope, 6th Earl of Chesterfield

George Stanhope, 6th Earl of Chesterfield, died and had also sold Ascott House.

1869 Farmers and Officials Listed

Richard Belgrove, John Eggleton, Mrs Hannah Gomme, and Mrs Sarah Wooster are listed as farmers. Moreton John Edwin Frewen and Mrs Raper are joint lords of the manor.

4 Jun. 1870 Birth of Elizabeth Mason

Elizabeth Mason (later Goodchild) was born. She subsequently married Albert Goodchild and Charles Keene.

2 Apr. 1871 Census Data

The population was 70. Farm occupants included Richard and Martha Belgrove, Thomas and Mary Eggleton, and Henry and Sarah Gomm. David and Elizabeth Goodchild lived in Longwick.

29 Sep. 1873 Birth of Albert Goodchild

Albert Goodchild was born in Ilmer to David and Elizabeth.

1880 Fire at Mr Read's Farm

A fire occurred at Mr Read's farm.

3 Apr. 1881 Census Data

The population was 63. David and Elizabeth Goodchild lived in Ilmer with four children.

Jul. 1882 Upper Farm for Sale

Upper Farm was put up for sale with tenant Mr Belgrove, alongside Ford Farm and Aston Mullins Farm.

12 Dec. 1885 Death of Elizabeth Goodchild

Elizabeth, wife of David Goodchild, farmer, dies of 'fatty degeneration of the heart'.

23 Dec. 1885 Burial of Elizabeth Goodchild

Elizabeth Goodchild was buried. Elizabeth was the mother of Albert, Ernest, and Thomas Goodchild and wife of David who was to die the following year.

13 May 1886 Death of Rev W.E Partridge

Rev W.E Partridge dies aged 77, leaving an estate valued at £3,482.

1886 John Read Retires

John Read, farmer, retires.

24 Dec. 1886 Burial of David Goodchild

David Goodchild was buried. He was the father of Albert, Ernest, and Thomas Goodchild leaving them orphaned as his wife died the previous year.

Sep. 1886 John Read at Manor Farm

Mr Read, farmer, was at Manor Farm.

1888 Thomas Goodchild at The Old Vicarage

Thomas Goodchild was living at The Old Vicarage. He was the older brother of Albert and Ernest Goodchild.

10 Feb. 1892 Estate Transfer

Mrs Moreton-Craigie died, and the estate comprising Manor Farm, Lower Farm and Coldharbour Farm transferred to her sister, Miss Elizabeth Moreton. Sister Elizabeth Moreton was a founder member of the Clewer Sisters, Community of St John the Baptist near Windsor.

28 Apr. 1892 Ernest Goodchild Emigrates

Ernest William Goodchild departed Liverpool for Quebec, aged 13, as part of the Children's Aid Society of London. He was the younger brother of Albert who were orphaned living in Ilmer. Their older brother, Thomas, cared for them at the Old Vicarage.

8 Oct. 1893 Restoration Work Commemorated

To mark the completion of the 1893 church restorations, which included roof repairs and the rehanging of the bells, the Bishop of Reading delivers a special sermon.

Mar. 1893 George Kingham at Lower Farm

George Kingham was living at Lower Farm.

1894 Miss Moreton Living in Torquay

By 1894, Miss Elizabeth Moreton, Sister Elizabeth, owner of the Manor of Ilmer through a lifetime benefit, was living in Torquay leasing a property known as Cyprus on Ridgeway Road.

1898 John Edwin Varley Becomes Rector

John Edwin Varley became rector of Horsenden with Ilmer.

29 Sep. 1899 Farm Tenancies Begin

Alfred Hill's tenancy began at Manor Farm and George Gomme's tenancy began at Coldharbour.

31 Mar. 1901 Census Data

The population was 51. Farm occupants and families are listed. Albert and Elizabeth Goodchild lived in Beckenham.

1903 Landowners and Residents Listed

Miss Moreton is the lady of the manor. Residents include Richard Belgrove, Thomas Goodchild, Alfred Hill, and George Kingham.

19 Jul. 1905 Ilmer or Upper Farm for Auction

Ilmer or Upper Farm was put up for auction along with Ford and Aston Mullins farms. Richard Belgrove was the tenant farmer.

17 Jan. 1907 Parish Room Opened

The Parish room, paid for by Miss Moreton, was opened. Sister Elizabeth Moreton, founder member of the Clewer Sisters, Community of St John the Baptist near Windsor, held life-benefit of the manor of Ilmer. She often contributed to religious causes in the village.

1907 Albert Goodchild's Business

Albert Goodchild was listed as a wholesaler at the Foreign Flower market, Covent Garden, London. He would later acquire the Manor of Ilmer and build Ilmer House on the site of Upper Farm.

4 Aug. 1907 Burial of Ettie Gomme

'Ettie' Nellie Gomme, aged 5, was buried.

16 Jul. 1909 Ilmer Farm Auction Date

The auction date for 'Ilmer Farm' was set.

5 Feb. 1909 Spire Faculty Granted

Faculty (permission) for the new church spire was granted. Architects John Oldrid Scott and Son (Charles Marriott Oldrid Scott) of Dean's Yard, Westminster were given faculty to design the replacement spire and remove the half-hip roof to complete the west gable. John Oldrid Scott was the grandson of Sir Gilbert Scott, architect of the Albert Memorial. He had completed the stone steeple of St Mary's, Risborough the previous year, which had replaced an older zinc-covered wooden structure.

15 Feb. 1909 Spire Fundraising Concert

As part of the effort to raise £300 for a new spire, a packed Parish Room is the venue for a performance of a 'Sleeping Beauty' cantata.

20 Apr. 1909 Girls' Club Concert for Church Fund

The Parish Room hosts a concert by the Girls' Club in aid of the Church Restoration Fund. The children sang, danced, and performed on the violin, piano, and mandoline.

May 1909 Ilmer Farm for Auction

'Ilmer Farm' was put up for auction alongside Aston Mullins farm.

26 Jun. 1909 Church Rededicated

The church was rededicated following the addition of a new Spire and completion of the west gable.

16 Sep. 1909 Organist dies

Longtime church organist Martha Belgrove dies. A window in the church was later dedicated to her memory.

Dec. 1910 House Plans Passed

Plans were passed for A Goodchild to build a house on his land in Beckenham. This was the site of his nursery on Ravenscroft Road.

1911 Residents Listed

Miss A Phillips, George Gomme, Albert Goodchild, Thomas Goodchild, Alfred Hill, and George Kingham are listed as residents. Miss Moreton is the principal landowner.

22 Jun. 1911 Coronation Celebration

The parish room hosted a celebration of the coronation of George V.

12 Nov. 1911 Birth of Robert Merrick Harling Attenborough

(Robert) Merrick Harling Attenborough was born to (Robert) Harold Attenborough, future owner of Ilmer House.

20 Jan. 1912 Death of Miss Moreton and Estate Transfer

Miss Moreton died and the estate transferred to 'Mrs Carter'. Sister Elizabeth Moreton had life benefit of the manor of Ilmer and had paid for the village hall.

1912+ Estate Sale

Mrs Carter sold the estate: Manor and Lower Farm were purchased by Mr W Hill and Mr A A Kingham, and Coldharbour Farm was purchased by Mr A Fisher.

2 Oct. 1912 Farm Auction Particulars

Auction particulars for Manor Farm & Lower Farm were issued.

11 Dec. 1913 Albert Goodchild's Residence

Ilmer House owner, Albert Goodchild lived at 158 Ravenscroft Rd, Beckenham.

12 Dec. 1915 Death of Albert Lay in WWI

Albert Lay, aged 20, of Ilmer died in Flanders while serving in the Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry.

31 May 1916 Albert Goodchild's Nursery Business for Auction

Ilmer House owner, Albert Goodchild's nursery business in Beckenham, including land and plants, was put up for auction.

1918 Parish Room Piano Sold

The parish room piano was sold for £4.

15 Nov. 1919 War Memorial Tablet Agreed

It was agreed to put a memorial tablet in the church.

1920 War Memorial Erected

The Great War memorial tablet was erected.

19 Jun. 1921 Census Data

Residents at Lower Farm, Manor Farm, and Coldharbour Farm are listed.

2 Nov. 1922 Farmer Fined

Thomas Bradshaw, farmer at Lower Farm, was fined £2 for using a carriage without a licence.

1924 Land Ownership

John Philip Boddington, relative of the Boddington brewery family, owned land at Ilmer.

Dec. 1924 Electricity Lines Proposed

A proposal was made to lay electricity lines to Ilmer.

15 Apr. 1926 Teenager Fined

(Robert) Douglas Goodchild, son of Albert Goodchild, aged 13, was fined 7s 6d for riding a cycle without a light.

1927 Albert Goodchild Buys Old Vicarage

Albert Goodchild of Ilmer House bought the Old Vicarage.

Feb. 1928 Electric Lighting Offered

Albert Goodchild of Ilmer House offered to install electric lighting in the church and supply power.

1 Apr. 1929 Ilmer Halt Station Opens

LNER station Ilmer Halt opened. It was to close in 1963.

1929 W Harper Elected Church Warden

W Harper, father of George Harper, was elected People's Warden.

1930-1932 (Robert) Douglas Goodchild, Nursery Student

(Robert) Douglas Goodchild, son of Albert Goodchild of Ilmer House, is listed as a nursery student.

7 Oct. 1930 Burial of Thomas Goodchild

Thomas Goodchild was buried.

18 Jul. 1931 Burial of Albert Goodchild

Albert Goodchild was buried.

19 Dec. 1931 (Robert) Merrick Attenborough Travels to New Zealand

(Robert) Merrick Attenborough (son of (Robert) Harold Attenborough), aged 20, departed London for Sydney, with an onward journey to New Zealand to work in farming.

12 Mar. 1932 Burial of Owen Goodchild

Owen Goodchild of Watlington was buried.

1932 Electricity Slot Meter Request

The vicar requested Aylesbury corporation install an electricity slot meter in the church.

21 Jun. 1932 Ilmer House for Auction

Ilmer House up for auction with vacant possession.

25 Oct. 1932 Memorial Window Commissioned

A meeting at the Parish Hall resolves to install a stained glass window in honour of Mary Clara Jaques (daughter of former vicar Rev. W. E. Partridge) to commemorate her charitable deeds. The window, costing £70, was crafted by Joseph Edward Nuttgens.

1933 Farm Livestock Sale

Mr H Webber put up for sale his livestock and agricultural implements as he was leaving his farm.

Feb. 1933 Stained Glass Window Installed

A stained glass window by Joseph Edward Nuttgens was installed in the church nave in commemoration of Mary Clara Jaques.

9 May 1933 Man Fined for After-Hours Drinking

(Robert) Douglas Goodchild, youngest son of Albert and Elizabeth Goodchild, was fined £1 for consuming beer during unlicensed hours at the Six Bells, Thame.

15 Jun. 1934 (Robert) Merrick Attenborough in Play

R M H Attenborough, son of (Robert) Harold Attenborough, appeared in the cast of a play at Massey Agricultural College, New Zealand.

18 Aug. 1934 Burial of Edward Albert Goodchild

Edward Albert Goodchild of Saunderton was buried.

1934 (Robert) Merrick Attenborough at College

(Robert) Merrick Attenborough, son of (Robert) Harold Attenborough, held several positions in clubs at Massey Agricultural College.

1935 Resident of Ilmer House

William White lived at Ilmer House.

1936 Ilmer Nurseries Expanded

(Robert) Douglas Goodchild (son of Albert Goodchild late of Ilmer House) built 2 further greenhouses at Ilmer Nurseries.

1936 Cook Advertised

Mrs W White advertises for a cook at Ilmer House.

1936 Ilmer Estate Sold

Mr W White of Ilmer House sold his Ilmer estate.

28 Mar. 1936 (Robert) Merrick Attenborough Returns to UK

(Robert) Merrick Attenborough, son of (Robert) Harold Attenborough, aged 24, departed Wellington, New Zealand, bound for Southampton.

13 Apr. 1937 Ilmer House Freehold Recorded

Ilmer House freehold was recorded in the London Gazette.

7 Apr. 1937 Church Warden

(Robert) Harold Attenborough of Ilmer House became church warden.

20 Dec. 1937 Driver Fined

(Robert) Douglas Goodchild, son of Albert Goodchild late of Ilmer House, was stopped for driving without sidelights and fined £1.

1938 Resident of Ilmer House

Mrs Attenborough lived at Ilmer House.

Jun. 1938 Charles Belgrove Interviewed

Charles Belgrove, the Ilmer Hermit was interviewed and photographed by a national newspaper.

1939 Residents and Landowners Listed

Robert H Attenborough is the principal landowner. Claridge & Son, Wilfred Smith, Robert Maher, and Douglas Goodchild are also listed.

2 Jun. 1939 Death of Elizabeth Kingham

Elizabeth, wife of William Kingham, died age 76.

4 Dec. 1939 A. Goodchild Ltd Incorporated

'A. Goodchild Ltd' was incorporated with Jack Goodchild as director. The Covent Garden flower wholesaler, founded by Albert Goodchild of Ilmer House, traded for many years until it was finally disolved in 2021.

24 Jul. 1940 Ilmer Nurseries for Sale

Ilmer Nurseries and Brick Pits Cottage were put up for sale.

1942 Cowman Wage Complaint

R.M.H Attenborough complained that the minimum wage for a cowman in Bucks was higher than in Herts.

8 Apr. 1942 Invasion Preparations

The vestry was informed of local arrangements in the event of an invasion, including using the Church Room as a mortuary.

29 Apr. 1944 Fatality at Ilmer Halt

Thomas Walker, a railway worker, was found dead on the platform of Ilmer Halt after being hit by a train.

1945 William O'Connor Ceases as Rector

William O'Connor ceased as rector of Horsenden with Ilmer.

1946 Longwick Becomes Independent Parish

Longwick became an independent parish.

1946 Old Vicarage Sold

Elizabeth Keene (widow of Albert Goodchild) sold the Old Vicarage where her son (Robert) Douglas Goodchild had been living.

16 Aug. 1947 Folk Dance at Ilmer House

A folk dance was held at Ilmer House, hosted by Mr & Mrs Attenborough.

14 Feb. 1950 Death of Charles Keene

Charles Keene, second husband of Elizabeth Goodchild of Ilmer House, died aged 76.

24 Apr. 1953 Eviction of Tenants

(Robert) Merrick Attenborough successfully applied for the eviction of the tenants of Lodge Cottage and Ilmer Cottage.

11 Mar. 1955 Land Registry Entry

1 The Green appears on the Land Registry.

1955 Farmer Information

W J Claridge farmed Lower Farm for 27 years and was chairman of the NFU.

7 Jun. 1958 Puppy Show

A puppy show was held at Close End, residence of (Robert) Merrick Attenborough

1960 Churchyard Cleared

Les Bailey, an employee of Mr Attenborough, cleared the overgrown churchyard and laid a path.

1960 Farm Manager Appointed

R.T.R Pierce was appointed manager of the ShellStar demonstration farm.

4 Jun. 1962 Death of Elizabeth Keene

Elizabeth Keene, widow of Albert Goodchild of Ilmer House died.

7 Jan. 1963 Ilmer Halt Closes

Ilmer Halt station is closed. It had only been open for 34 years.

22 May 1964 Cattle Auction

Manor Farm Ilmer Herd held an auction of 163 cattle.

22 Nov. 1966 Death of William Joseph Harper

William Joseph Harper died. He lived at 1 Central Cottage in Longwick and was the father of George Harper.

1967 Donation from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Filming

The church received a donation of £250 from Shell Farm, from the filming of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Sep. 1967 Ilmer on Magazine Cover

Ilmer Church and the old vicarage featured on the cover of Bucks Life magazine.

1968, 1971, 1973 Residents of Ilmer House

William Greaves Underwood's parents-in-law, Alan Philip Lloyd Cogswell, known as Coggie and Mrs (Audrey) Sylvia Cogswell, known as Dum, lived at Ilmer House. Alan was an anaesthetist and lawyer, whilst Sylvia was an expert and author in orthoptics under her maiden name of Jackson.

2 Feb. 1968 Service for Sarah Olive Leuw

A service was held at Ilmer Church for Sarah Olive Leuw, aged 95.

15 Nov. 1968 Sale of Ilmer House

Ilmer House was sold by (Robert) Merrick Attenborough to William Greaves Underwood and his then-wife Susan. Susan later re-married and died in 2025.

31 Jan. 1969 Charles Belgrove Official Date of Death

The Ilmer Hermit, Charles Belgrove's official date of death is recorded.

1969 Edmund Pipe Ceases as Rector

Edmund Walter Samuel Pipe ceased as rector of Horsenden with Ilmer.

1969 (Robert) Merrick Attenborough Retires as Pack Master

(Robert) Merrick Attenborough, pack master since 1957, retired from the role. Merrick farmed Manor Farm and lived at Close End.

1969 Jim Lawrence Takes Over Ilmer Nurseries

Jim Lawrence took over running Ilmer Nurseries from Dudley Scales Leuw.

16 Oct. 1970 Manor Farm for Sale

Manor Farm, consisting of 302 acres and 4 cottages, was put up for sale.

1970-1975 Farm Manager

John A. Farmer was the manager of the ShellStar demonstration farm, Lower Farm.

Jun. 1971 Farmhouse Plans Approved

Plans were approved to build a farmhouse at Manor Farm.

7 Nov. 1971 Notable resident

Sir William Willatt Slack, Willie to friends and his wife Lady Joan (half-sister to Betty Attenborough) had a weekend retreat at Ilmer Cottage (now September/October cottages). He was the Queen's Surgeon between 1975 and 1990, being promoted to Serjeant Surgeon to Her Majesty the Queen in 1983. His Obituary in the Times, said

Sir William and his wife Lady Joan, bought a country cottage where, no sooner had they arrived for the weekend, Slack could be seen tilling their acre of ground no matter what the time or weather. He grew far too many potatoes, leeks, courgettes and other vegetables for the family to eat, so the excess was distributed to friends and neighbours by the barrowload.

1972 ShellStar Office Extension Approved

Approval was granted to extend the ShellStar office building in the grounds of Lower Farm.

1970s Parish Room Demolished

The wooden Parish Room, which had been donated by Miss Moreton in 1907 and served as a village hall and meeting space, is demolished. It had been purchased by J Pryor of the Old Vicarage in 1971.

Dec. 1976 Church Masonry Repair

Masonry repair was carried out on the church.

1978 Spire and Bell Restoration Fund

A fundraising campaign is initiated to raise £8,000 as the spire required new shingle tiles and the tower and bells were in need of restoration. The target was met within two years.

1978 Donation from Shell Farm

The church restoration fund received £200 from Shell Farm, now Lower Farm.

29 May 1978 First Ilmer Grand Fete

The first Ilmer Grand Fete was held.

Jun. 1978 Church Fundraising Whist Drive

Mollie Shurrock held a whist drive in aid of the church restoration fund.

1979 Church Spire Re-shingled

The church spire was re-shingled from donations totalling £8,000.

Jul. 1979 Engagement Announcement

Joanna Hadwen Attenborough, daughter of Merrick of Close End, was engaged to Nicholas Palmer Kyle Montgomery.

8 Jan. 1980 Declaration of Diocesan Interest in Land

A declaration of Diocesan interest was made in 1.9 acres of freehold land at Church Close, for the repairs of St Peters, Ilmer.

11 Nov. 1981 Death of (Robert) Douglas Goodchild

(Robert) Douglas Goodchild died aged 68 in Letchworth, Herts.

Jul. 1982 Church Stonework Repaired

The church stonework was repaired.

1983 Commemoration Stone Replaced

The commemoration stone on the church's north wall was replaced.

1984 Shellstar Sells Lower Farm

Shellstar sold Lower Farm, which included Bumpers and the remains of Coldharbour farm.

1985 Church Fund Renamed

The Ilmer Church restoration fund was renamed to the preservation fund.

1987 Church Roof Gale Damage

The church roof suffered gale damage and was repaired under insurance.

1988 Last Ilmer Fete

The last Ilmer fete was held.

1988 New Dwellings Approved

The Builders' Yard received approval to erect 2 new dwellings - The Sidings and Bridge House.

1 Nov. 1989 Keir Starmer on Kilroy

Keir Starmer, future prime minister, appeared on TV talk-show "Kilroy" about rave culture, representing the National Council for Civil Liberties.

1990 Church Acquisitions

New church altar linen, a new organ, and an offertory box were installed.

1991 New Altar Frontal

A new purple church altar frontal cloth was purchased.

1991 Folly Cottage Erection Approved

Planning approval was granted for the demolition of the semi-detached cottages known as Lodge Cottages and erection of Folly Cottage.

Jun. 1991 Barn Dance

A barn dance was held in a dutch barn.

1992 Church Stonework Restored

The church stonework was restored.

Jun - Jul 1996 'Photographing Fairies' Filmed

The film 'Photographing Fairies' was shot in the churchyard. The church received a £500 donation.

1999 Church Report Published

A report on St Peter's Church, Ilmer, was published by Janet Wilson.

23 February 2001 Death of (Stanley) Frank Head

(Stanley) Frank Head, resident of Old Orchard, died and is buried in Ilmer churchyard.

2008 Lectern and Pews Restored

The lectern and pews were restored.

c. 2009 Death of (Robert) Merrick Attenborough

(Robert) Merrick Attenborough, former resident, farmer of Manor Farm and resident of Close End died.

18 Jan. 2018 Death of George Harper

George Harper, churchwarden, parish council chair and longtime resident died.

14 Mar. 2023 Death of William Greaves Underwood

William Greaves Underwood, late of Ilmer House, died in Brill.