The Langley Bush

Langley Bush

Situated at the intersection of four parishes—Ufford, Upton, Ailsworth, and Helpston—this historic site has long been a focal point for the local community. The area is marked by a grassy mound with a hawthorn bush, which is believed to have been a pagan religious site in ancient times. (uffordparishcouncil.org.uk)

For centuries, the Langley Bush served as the open-air court of the Langdyke Hundred, convening twice a year to adjudicate serious crimes such as theft, highway robbery, and murder. Presided over by the Abbot of Peterborough, these sessions were attended by parish representatives. A gibbet was even present on the site until the early 1700s, after which the court moved indoors to the Exeter Arms at Helpston. (uffordparishcouncil.org.uk)

The Langley Bush also holds literary significance, having been a favorite spot of the poet John Clare. He immortalized the old hawthorn bush in his poem "O Langley Bush! The shepherd's sacred shade." In 1824, Clare lamented the felling of the original bush, possibly due to the Enclosures Act, which he opposed. The current hawthorn bush was planted by the John Clare Society in 1996 to honor this literary connection. (uffordparishcouncil.org.uk)

In 2009, a commemorative stone was erected at the site, financed by the Barnack Ward Community Fund, to mark the historical and cultural importance of the Langley Bush. (uffordparishcouncil.org.uk)

Today, the area remains a point of interest for both history enthusiasts and those interested in the works of John Clare, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of local heritage.