Timeline of Events in Heath and Reach

16th Century: Church tower dates from this century.

c.1666: Heath Manor built.

1728: Rushmere Manor built on the old Linslade Road.

1780: First recorded reference to The Red Lion Public House.

1822: Baptist Chapel built and opened on the 12th September

1825: Village made a separate ecclesiastical district, the Rev. Martin Bedson became the first Cleric.

1828: The church enlarged and the seating capacity increased from 140 to 250.

1846: The National School opened.

1869: Vicarage built and enlarged.

1873: The Pump House and Clock Tower built and opened on the 12th May, the building houses the pump above a well which for many years was the main source of water in the village. The cost of the clock was born by Baroness Burdett Coutts and Baroness de Rothschild, while the pump was by Mr. Branson in memory of William Abraham.

1877: Methodist Chapel built and replaced an earlier chapel constructed in 1822.

1966: Methodist Chapel renovated.

1987: The Tavistock Inn devastated by fire in April the roof and first floor completely destroyed.

1994: The old village school demolished in April and houses built on the site.

2002: The Red Lion Public House closes in February.