Turville

Turville
source
Name	Turville
Population	300
Os grid reference	SU765915
Civil parish	Turville
Unitary england	Buckinghamshire
Lieutenancy england	Buckinghamshire
Region	South East England
Country	England
Constituency westminster	Henley
Post town	HENLEY-ON-THAMES
Postcode district	RG9
Postcode area	RG
Dial code	01491
Static image caption	The village green and St Mary's Church, Turville.

Turville. Turville is a picturesque village and civil parish situated in the Chiltern Hills of Buckinghamshire, England. It is renowned for its quintessential English countryside appearance, featuring a historic church, a traditional pub, and a prominent windmill on the surrounding hills. The village has gained significant recognition as a filming location for numerous television series and films, cementing its status as an icon of the British countryside.

Geography

Turville is nestled within the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, approximately five miles north of the market town of Henley-on-Thames. The parish is characterized by rolling chalk hills, ancient beech woodlands, and fertile valleys typical of the Chilterns. A notable topographical feature is Turville Hill, which rises to over 200 metres and offers expansive views across the Thames Valley. The village itself is clustered around a small green and a stream, with much of the surrounding land dedicated to agriculture and forestry, managed by estates such as the Stonor Park estate.

History

The settlement's history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as "Tornevelle" within the Hundred of Desborough. For centuries, the manor was held by Missenden Abbey before passing to the Crown Estate following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The village remained a small, primarily agricultural community. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the local economy was supported by activities such as chair-making, a common craft in the Chilterns, and the milling operations at Cobstone Mill. The parish church, St Mary's Church, Turville, has origins dating to the 12th century, with significant restoration in the 19th century.

Landmarks

The village is distinguished by several iconic landmarks. Cobstone Mill, a post mill atop Turville Hill, is a famous local symbol and has featured prominently in films and television. The historic St Mary's Church, Turville, with its Norman architecture and later additions, stands at the heart of the village. The Bull and Butcher pub is a traditional 16th-century coaching inn that serves as a central social hub. The surrounding area includes the grand estate of Stonor Park, a historic home of the Stonor family for over 800 years, and the scenic Turville Court, a former rectory. The village's unspoiled appearance has made it a frequent location for productions like The Vicar of Dibley, Midsomer Murders, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Demographics

According to the latest Census, the civil parish has a population of approximately 300 residents. The demographic profile is typical of many rural South East England villages, with a higher proportion of older age groups and a population that is predominantly of White British ethnicity. Levels of higher education attainment are above the national average, and many residents are employed in professional, managerial, or technical occupations, often commuting to centres such as London, Reading, or High Wycombe. Housing is primarily composed of period properties and cottages, contributing to a high average property value.

Transport

Turville is served by a limited network of rural roads, with the primary access via the narrow lane connecting to the B480 road near Ibstone. Public transport is minimal, reflecting its rural character, with infrequent bus services linking to High Wycombe and Henley-on-Thames. The nearest major railway stations are located in Henley-on-Thames, on the Henley Branch Line, and High Wycombe, on the Chiltern Main Line and London Underground's Metropolitan line. For air travel, residents typically use London Heathrow Airport, which is approximately 25 miles to the south-east.

Category:Villages in Buckinghamshire Category:Civil parishes in Buckinghamshire Category:Chiltern Hills