Duxford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Duxford |
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 The Green, Duxford (November 2017) |
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 Duxford
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| Population | 1,836 2,099 (2011 Census) |
| OS grid reference | TL481461 |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Cambridge |
| Postcode district | CB22 |
| Dialling code | 01223 |
| Police | Cambridgeshire |
| Fire | Cambridgeshire |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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Duxford is a village in Cambridgeshire, England. It is about 10 miles (16 km) south of Cambridge. This village is part of an area called the Hundred Parishes.
History of Duxford
The village of Duxford grew up along the banks of the River Cam. This river flows from the hills of north Essex. Duxford was one of the busiest settlements in its area long ago. In medieval times, it had two church areas. These two areas joined together in 1834.
The village was first known as Duxworth. In the 10th century, it was called Dukeswrthe. The Domesday Book listed it as Dochesuuorde. The name "Duxford" means "enclosure of a man called Duc."
Churches in Duxford
Duxford has two old churches. They are St John's Church and St Peter's Church. Both are very important historical buildings. They are called Grade I listed churches.
The two church areas combined in 1874. After that, services were held at St Peter's. St John's became a smaller chapel. It is now looked after by The Churches Conservation Trust. The churchyard around St John's is kept tidy by the Duxford Parish Council.
Near the village, there is Duxford Chapel. This chapel is from the 14th century. It was likely part of a hospital long ago. St Peter's Church is part of a group of churches. This group includes St Mary Magdalene in Ickleton and St Mary & St John in Hinxton. They are known as 'Hinkledux'. Services are shared among these three churches. St Peter's has a bell-ringing group. It also hosts a group for new parents called Tiddlers.
A Congregational chapel was built in the late 1700s. It opened in 1794. In 1850, about 350 people attended services there each week. This chapel later joined with other churches in 1972. It became known as Duxford United Reformed Church. This building is also a Grade II listed building. The last service was held there in June 2019. It was sold in 2021 and is now two homes. One of these homes is used for short-term rentals.
Duxford Airfield
Duxford is famous for RAF Duxford. This was a Royal Air Force airfield. It was very important during the Battle of Britain. Douglas Bader's "Big Wing" flew from Duxford during this battle. Later, the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces. They flew P-47 Thunderbolt planes from here.
In 1972, the Ministry of Defence started keeping old aircraft in the hangars. In 1977, this became the Imperial War Museum Duxford.
The airfield was used to film The Battle of Britain. During the movie, one of the hangars was blown up. This was to look like a Luftwaffe bombing raid. Today, Duxford hosts three air shows each year. You can often see planes flying over the village. These are either leisure flights or practice flights.
Village Life in Duxford
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Duxford has two pubs today. They are The John Barleycorn and The Plough. Other pubs used to be in the village. These included The Wheatsheaf, The Three Horseshoes, and The King's Head.
Until 2022, the village had an Advent Market. It was held at St John's Church. Money raised helped local community projects. There is an annual Soap Box Derby in September. Since 2013, this event has raised over £86,000 for Cancer Research UK.
Duxford has a Women's Institute group. It also has a popular bowls club. The National Garden Scheme allows some private gardens to open to the public. This happens one day a year. The local football team is Duxford United FC. They play at the recreation ground on Hunts Road. The Duxford Lawn Tennis Club has two courts there too. The village school is a Church of England Primary School. It has a breakfast and after-school club. There is also a playgroup on site.
In May 2019, work began on a new village community centre. It opened in May 2020. It is now a busy place for village events. It also hosts social groups and meetings. There is a lively café called Café 19. They are known for their cakes, coffees, and lunches. They also offer Sunday roast lunches and themed events.
A new public green space opened in 2020. It is called Brewery Field. Work is still being done on it. This includes planting flowers and plants. Since 2024, there have been two successful Festivals of Nature. These events teach people about nature and wildlife.
On July 31, 2020, a fire badly damaged the pre-school at Duxford School. It was rebuilt and reopened in 2023.
In 2022, a new history society started in the village. They meet once a month at the Community Centre. Their New Year's Day history walk in 2023 was very popular. The village magazine is called The Duxford Chatterbox. It is delivered free to every home.
See also
In Spanish: Duxford para niños
