Little Missenden is a beautiful, unspoilt village on the River Misbourne, in the Chiltern Hills. It is three miles south-east of Great Missenden near Amersham in Buckinghamshire. The name in Old English meant, “Valley where Marsh Plants grow.” Much of the village, containing many 18th century brick and rough cast cottages, is built next to the River Misbourne.
Before the A413 road was built, the village was a main route to Amersham. It is not surprising, therefore, that the village contains popular old coaching inns. The Red Lion dates from 1649 and has been in the same family ownership for over twenty years. It has a garden backing on the river and has been visited by several monarchs, including George II. HRH Prince Harry has also enjoyed a meal and drink here. The Red Lion has featured in several episodes of the television series, Midsomer Murders. Barnaby and Troy first stopped here for a pint in the television series in 1997. The first ever episode of Midsomer Murders was set in Little Missenden and it is reported that “Missenden Murders” was even considered as the title for the series. The Crown Inn is another traditional popular pub in the village.
Little Missenden is also renowned for the annual Little Missenden Festival, which has a long tradition of over fifty years of producing high quality music events, literature and the Arts. The concerts take place in St. John the Baptist Church. This ancient Saxon church was built next to the River Misbourne. It was founded in 975 and has been extended over a period of one thousand years. The Chancel was constructed in the 13th century, the North Chapel in the 14th century and the Church Tower was added in the late 15th century.
The Manor House is an early 17th century manor house, with the southern exterior dating to the later part of the century. It was modernised in the early part of the 19th century.
