The name Ewelme is derived from the Old English meaning 'spring' and was once renowned for its watercress beds and trout farm. Chaucer's granddaughter Alice, wife of the Duke of Suffolk, lived and entertained royalty here.
The 15th century church, almshouses and school at the centre of the village were a charitable gift from Alice (nee) Chaucer. Little remains of the mansion where she lived but the church, richly endowed school and almshouses (all founded in 1437) remain. The school is well preserved and is the oldest building in the country to be in use as a church primary school. Also in the church is a magnificent ten-foot high 15th century wooden font and the churchyard contains the grave of Jerome K Jerome, author of Three Men in a Boat.
