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About Odell and the local area
Changes to the village have been gentle, and easily absorbed. New building has been subtly integrated with the old limestone and thatch buildings, and newcomers to the village have likewise been welcomed into the social scene. But, whatever changes occur over the years, Odell never loses its individual character, which has grown out of its history. Reminders of its feudal past still exist in its Castle, (not fortified), and the Manor House, and indeed many of the villagers were in the employment of Lord Luke until recently. In his book "Down the River" H.E. Bates sees the "Ouse Valley " people as still being in "feudal servitude.......still in bondage to the land". However, appearances belie the true character of the Odell folk who have always been far from subservient. Indeed, it was from All Saint’s Church in Odell that the Reverend Peter Baulkley led his dissident flock (in rebellion against the Church under Archbishop Laud) to new pastures in the U.S.A., where he founded Concord, Massachusetts in 1635. The close relationship between Concord and Odell is still kept alive by many villagers, and in 1984 a large party from Concord visited Odell to rediscover their roots. For more information about Odell please visit www.odellbeds.net |
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The village of Odell is one of the smallest of the Ouse valley villages, with about two hundred households. Though small, it is a lively, thriving community in which every age group is represented. Odell is situated in the north of Bedfordshire, near to the borders with Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire, and the influence of these counties can be seen in Odell’s old association with lacemaking and, more recently, the leather industry. It has always been a farming community, with much of the land belonging to Lord Luke of Pavenham and Odell, but in recent years the village has attracted many who work in local towns - with Bedford only ten miles away - and commuters, with a fast train service from Bedford to London.Quick LinksHome |
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