Publications

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Here you will find details of our books about the history of Willington written by our members.

You can purchase copies of these books on Amazon

or directly from WLHG by emailing us

Henry Clutton: Victorian Architect of Gothic Revival Churches and Country Houses by Gordon Vowles:

A book about Clutton’s life and work in Bedfordshire and elsewhere. Proceeds after costs go to the Friends of St Lawrence for the preservation of the fabric of the church.

Willington in the First World War by Robert Bollington:

This book sets out to paint a picture of what the war meant for local people, both those in the forces and those supporting the war effort at home.  Proceeds after costs will be split between WLHG and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

The Life and Times of Sir John Gostwick : Tudor Entrepreneur and Bureaucrat by Gordon Vowles:

This book is about the life and times of Willington’s most famous son, a man who served Wolsey, Cromwell and Henry VIII. Proceeds after costs go to the Friends of St Lawrence for the preservation of the fabric of the church.

The Parish of St Lawrence, Willington, its Church and Vicars by Gordon Vowles:

The author traces the history of the church and parish, setting this in the context of wider social and ecclesiastical developments. Proceeds after costs go to the Friends of St Lawrence for the preservation of the fabric of the church.

Willington and the Russells by Robert Bollington:

This book covers the period from 1774 to 1902, when Willington formed part of the estates of the Duke of Bedford. Proceeds after costs go to WLHG.

The Reverend Augustus Orlebar by Gordon Vowles:

This book covers the life of the long serving vicar, Augustus Orlebar, who served as vicar in Willington for 54 years. Proceeds after costs go to the Friends of St Lawrence for the preservation of the fabric of the church.

Willington in the Eighteenth Century by Robert Bollington:

This book covers the period, when Willington formed part of the estates of the Duke of Marlborough. The book provides an insight into village life at the time, when the village was a small farming community. Proceeds after costs go to WLHG.

Willington and the Danes by Gordon Vowles:

This book explores the period when Willington and Bedford stood on the borders between Saxon and Viking territories. The author explores what has been said and written about the physical traces of the Danish presence in the area. Proceeds after costs go to WLHG.

You can purchase copies of these books on Amazon

or directly from WLHG by emailing us

Many years ago we also produced:

A timeline of the history of Willington from 1300 to 2006

A heritage trail of the village as a circular walk

These are not available for sale, but you can print them FREE here