Two Mile Ash Site.Olney

He, with the collaboration of poet William Cowper a resident of Olney from 1767 to 1786 wrote many Hymns such as God Moves in a Mysterious Way and notably the Olney Hymns published in 1799.
Cowper (Cooper) was previously best known for his comic ballad The Diverting History of John Gilpin.
A window in the church is dedicated to his memory.
The Cowper and Newton Museum is housed in Cowper’s impressive red brick home “Orchard Side” which is situated on the market square.
As well as copies of his works paintings and personal belongings and those of the Reverend Newton there is access to the gardens .

About a mile along the B5388 towards Yardley Hastings you can find Cowper’s Alcove a summer house (left) on the hill overlooking Olney.
The Museum also exhibits examples of hand made Olney lace and lace making equipment this was a major industry in the area until machines began to produce good quality lace in the middle of the 19th century.

Olney is only just in Buckinghamshire on the Northamptonshire border.
Well known for it’s claim to holding the first ever pancake race,
Since early in the 15th century it was run on and off for years from
the market square to the Church and has been a regular event on Shrove Tuesdays since its revival in 1948,
The first prize being a kiss of forgiveness on the cheek from the Vicar.
The 14th century Church of St Peter and St Paul has a very impressive spire 180 feet (55 meter's) tall which towers over the River Ousel and can be seen from miles around.
John Newton a reformed slave trader was curate at the church from 1764 to 1780.
He wrote many Hymns including Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds,
His body was moved to Olney from London and buried at the church in 1893