The name Keysoe is thought to derive from the Old English caeg plus hoh givng 'key-shaped hill-spur'. In the eleventh century Keysoe was known as Caisot, Chaisot and Caissot (the first two in the Domesday Book). Until 1870 it was one of the few villages to have a school which was maintained by the National Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. The total parish population of Keysoe and nearby Bolnhurst, with which it is closely aligned, is 734 (as given in the 2001 Census).

Keysoe windmill, built in 1800, was the last working post mill in Bedfordshire and the only wind powered one that was still grinding flour in 1935. It was blown down in 1947.

College Farm

During the time of the enclosures, when public land was effectively being taken into private ownership, a man by the name of Matcham was once hung from an elm tree for stealing sheep. All that now remains is the stump of the tree, which can be seen in the corner of a field behind College Farm.

It is said that if you approach the tree at twilight and say ‘Matcham, Matcham, I've brought you some broth', you will hear a disembodied voice reply ‘Cool it!'

To view a map of the area click on the button below