Uncovering the Hidden Gem of Milton Keynes: The Shenleys
Tucked away in the bustling town of Milton Keynes lies the hidden gem of Shenley Church End, with its rich history and charming community. The area is home to various districts, including Shenley Brook End, Shenley Wood, Shenley Lodge, all falling under the collective name of “The Shenleys”.
Shenley Church End’s name derives from the Old English language word meaning “bright clearing”, and its roots can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was collectively known as Senelai. Over time, the area transformed to become the core of the new district that bears its name.
The district boasts an array of schools such as Denbigh School, Glastonbury Thorn First School, and Shenley Church End Pre-School, providing education to varied age groups. It also features a sports hub in the form of the Shenley Leisure Centre, which takes refuge beside the secondary school. It houses a sports hall, gym, squash courts, as well as outdoor football and tennis courts, making it the perfect destination for any sports enthusiast. And let’s not forget to mention a well-deserved drink at the Sportsman’s Rest bar.
For cricket enthusiasts, Shenley Church End Cricket Club should not escape their radar. Established in 1947, it has a rich history that dates back to the inception of the area. The club was previously known as Rickley Park CC and was renamed Shenley Church End Cricket Club in 1992 upon relocating its home matches to Denbigh School.
The district extends to include residential areas such as Oxley Park, with street names inspired by the Silver Screen era of film, and Medbourne, which forms part of the grid square that includes Shenley Wood. Oakhill takes residence on the land with the highest elevation in Milton Keynes, at 120 metres above sea level, and is also the location of HMP Woodhill and residential developments.
Shenley Church End has something to offer everyone, from providing quality education to short escapes in state-of-the-art sports facilities, exciting cricket matches, fantastic residential areas, and much more. We encourage you to explore The Shenleys and discover the hidden gem of Milton Keynes.