Welcome to the NEW Astwood and Hardmead Parish Council website!

Astwood & Hardmead are two villages situated within two miles of each other within a shared Civil Parish in the borough of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

Our website will give you a guide to the local services, community events, security guidance and other aspects which have an influence on our rural life.

With a population of  around 320 individuals , the villages work as a "community" bringing together the people with various local events being held throughout the year. These events range from fund raising, to Easter egg hunts, Harvest Supper meals, Christmas Carols in the local public house and many more!

Within Astwood we have some small businesses units with people providing a wide range of services.

The local public house (The Old Swan) is a charming thatched roof Coaching Inn dating back to the 17th century.  The pub is well-worth a visit, offering a great Italian menu and having a wonderful atmosphere.

Parish Information

Astwood

St Peter's Church dates back to at least the reign of Henry the First.  Held within its walls are monuments to members of the Lowndes and Cranmer familiies, both of whom were of notable stature in both local and national life.  The church has undergone a number of additions and changes during its life, including a replacement of the roof following damage in WWII, and is now destined to become a private home.  Further information about the church can be found at: 

https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/BKM/Astwood;

Astwood is proud of its sons and the ultimate sacrifice that they made in the great conflicts of the Twentieth Century; in each World War members of this parish gave their lives for the defence of freedom.  Their sacrifices are recorded on dedications held in St Peter's Church as well as on the Roll of Honour - http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Buckinghamshire/Astwood.html

Astwood's sole Pub beautifully complements the Church of St Peter's, being a Grade II listed thatched building dating back to the 15th Century.  The pub is loved by locals and visitors alike, and is well worth a visit - https://www.oldswanastwood.co.uk/

Hardmead

  The name Hardmead was derived from old English for 'Heoruwulf's meadow' and the village appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Herulfmede. The village consists of just over 30 houses, not that much larger than back in medieval times! St Mary's Church dates back to the 13th Century with later parts from the 15th century and holds memorials to the Catesby and Shedden families. When the medieval plagues decimated the local population the village was abandoned, the moated manor house falling into ruin before being pulled down in the early 19thcentury - all that remains are parts of the moat which can be seen behind the church. The church can be visited (please collect and return the key from Home Farm, Hardmead) and services are held 3-4 times a year, see notices on the gate and around the village – all are welcome! 

Local Businesses  

• Tailor & Drapes - Made to Measure Curtain Makers
• Owl Lodge B&B - Luxury short-break accommodation
• Star Bridal Wear - Wedding Dresses and Bridesmaid outfits
• Taylor & Co Property Consultants - Specialist land agents
• H.I.S. Bedrooms - Bespoke handmade bedrooms
• Astrum Construction - High-class builders
• Stable & Wild  - Extraordinary Training & Development for young people
• AMD Learning & Development  - Corporate Training & Development
• A-Z Domestics – Domestic machinery repairs

Astwood and Hardmead have 2 local churches, St Peter's grade 1 listed which dates back to the late 12th Century and St Mary' grade 1 listed and dates back to the 13th Century.