The High Wycombe Society - American Trail
Nestled in the rolling countryside around South Bucks lies quiet yet profound connections to the birth of the United States. This trail weaves through towns and villages once frequented by visionaries whose ideas helped shape both British and American history. From the Quaker Meeting House at Jordans to the stately grounds of Loaks Manor (now Wycombe Abbey School) in High Wycombe, the region offers a compelling narrative of transatlantic exchange, idealism and diplomacy.
William Penn, the Quaker founder of Pennsylvania, spent 5 years in Basing House (now the site of the Three Rivers Museum) in Rickmansworth after his marriage to Gulielma Springett in 1672. Penn’s ‘Holy Experiment’ in Pennsylvania rooted in religious tolerance and civic virtue, was inspired by the principles he nurtured here. He is buried with his two wives and many of his children at Jordans.
William Petty, 2nd Earl of Shelburne, Prime Minister 1782-3, resided at Loaks Manor (now Wycombe Abbey). As Prime Minister in 1782/3 he, along with Benjamin Franklin, agent of the Pennsylvanian Assembly/American diplomat, helped draw up the Treaty of Paris whereby Great Britain would finally recognise the United States of America as a free nation.
Then, after America entered the Second World War, in April 1942, in an inconceivable co-incidence, the US 8th Army Air Force Bomber Command found themselves based at Wycombe Abbey where they reinforced Britain’s freedom and later helping to secure victory for the Allies in the Second World War.
Furniture-making in the Wycombe area also comes into the story.
The trail also records the visit of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the second and third presidents of the United States of America to The Antelope Inn (now The Works) in the High Street where they dined before travelling on to London in April 1786.
As colonial agent in London Benjamin Franklin was based at 36 Craven Street, London WC2N 5NF which today is a museum. During his tenure in England he often stayed at West Wycombe Park, the home of his great friend Sir Francis Dashwood, Chancellor of the Exchequer 1762-3 and founder of the Hellfire Club. Here Franklin wrote ‘I am in this House as much at my ease as if it was my own, and the gardens are a paradise.’
The trail runs for 18 miles from Rickmansworth to King John’s Farm in Chorleywood and on to Jordans before moving on to High Wycombe and West Wycombe.
Here at West Wycombe there is the chance to walk round West Wycombe Park, home of Sir Francis Dashwood; visit the Hellfire Caves where you can ‘meet’ Sir Francis and Franklin before moving on up the hill to view the Dashwood Mausoleum and the Church of St Lawrence with its famous Golden Ball.
Want the Caves All to Yourself?
If one night evening isn’t enough, why not take your investigation further?
The Hellfire Caves are available for private paranormal hire, giving you and your team exclusive access to the tunnels after dark. Perfect for experienced investigators and paranormal groups who want the Caves to themselves.