The name may be derived from Aln-ey, an island of alder trees. In the Domesday book the spelling is Olnei, and in Civil War Tracts it is spelt Oulny. Other spellings are Wolney and Olneye. Back to top. Attractions Olney is a thriving and bustling Market Town lying on the A509 from Milton Keynes to Wellingborough.
Many places of interest are open on Sundays.
Since the early '70s the population of Olney has increased significantly from around 2,400 in 1971 to 6,000 in 1995. However, Olney's centre still retains its old eighteenth century market town character. There are historical associations with the poet William Cowper who lived in Olney between 1768 and 1786 and John Newton who became its curate in 1764. Lacemaking For 300 years Olney was at the heart of bobbin lace making industry in the area. The lace was made using fine thread wound on wooden or bone bobbins.