Local young people help bring hidden history to life

A series of new heritage interpretation boards help to uncover the hidden history of a medieval village in Milton Keynes’ parkland.

Although the village disappeared centuries ago, traces of its streets, houses and ploughed fields can still be seen today amongst the earthworks, humps and ditches that remain in the landscape. Without local knowledge, however, these archaeological features can be difficult to spot and interpret.

Working alongside local young people in Offset Projects and local heritage groups, The Parks Trust has designed and installed three new information boards to help visualise how the village may have looked centuries ago. Informed by research and artefacts from Milton Keynes Museum and The City Discovery Centre, visitors can now learn about the fascinating history uncovered through archaeological investigations.

As part of the project, a new viewing panel has also been installed overlooking Meadow Lane, the medieval track that runs through the site in Ouzel Valley Park. The panel helps visitors imagine the wattle and daub houses that once lined the route.

Sarah Griffiths, Outdoor Learning and Interpretation Manager for The Parks Trust, said: “We’re really pleased to have worked with Offset Projects and local young people to bring this piece of history to life. There’s so much heritage to discover in Milton Keynes’ parks, and we’re hoping that this project will encourage people to head outdoors and explore them.”

The Parks Trust has delivered this work as part of Look Again, a city-wide heritage trail funded by Milton Keynes’ City Council. Look Again highlights the rich and often hidden heritage found across the city, encouraging residents and visitors alike to take a fresh look at the landscapes around them and uncover stories from Milton Keynes’ past.

Find out more about the project at theparkstrust.com/woughton