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4 miles west of Biggleswade, Old Warden is one of the county's prettiest villages, with 19th century gardens which are still beautifully maintained. Many of the cottages are
thatched with fancy chimney pots and date back to 1830-1850. Warden means 'watch hill', almost all that remains from the Cistercian Warden Abbey that disappeared long ago.
Warden pears, grown by the local monks and Warden pies made from them were once famous nation-wide.
There is a Post Office / store and Village Hall. A mobile library serves the community. Buses run daily to Biggleswade and Bedford 8 miles away.
The 12th century Church of St Leonard has magnificent carved, polished Oak, brought from Europe in Victorian times by Lord Ongley. Some carvings have the initials 'AC' and are
said to come from Anne of Cleves' private Chapel in Bruges. The most treasured item is a mediaeval window depicting a Cistercian Abbot, which came from the Old Abbey.
Although only a very small village Old Warden has several well known features including the Shuttleworth Agricultural College and the Shuttleworth Collection, which was set up
as a Trust by the late Mrs Shuttleworth as a memorial to her son Richard. The Shuttleworth family had a marked effect on the village. They built the hall, which now houses the
Agricultural College, in 1872 set in magnificent parkland.
The Shuttleworth Collection of historic aircraft and vintage transport at Old Warden Aerodrome is one of the county's most interesting museums. The aircraft are airworthy, and
regular flying days are held during the summer. The museum is open daily except at Christmas and attracts regular interest. Next door is the enchanting award winning 19th
century Swiss Garden, and the English School of Falconry.
Part of the village is on the Greensand Ridge Walk, which attracts many visitors.
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