Sir Simon Jenkins has an understanding of Britain’s heritage few can match (Image: Humphrey Nemar)

Britain began its existence as a land of villages and should become that again, according to one of the country’s foremost chroniclers of how we live. Sir Simon Jenkins’s latest work is a celebration of both the urban and the rural village, and a excoriating account of how planners and architects with no appreciation of the importance of community tore tight-knit neighbourhoods apart and funnelled residents into concrete monstrosities.

Mr Jenkins, a former editor of the Times and one Britain’s best known columnists, believes villages combat loneliness. He details how the dynamics of village life – where people bump into each other in a common space – drive dramas ranging from The Archers to Eastenders: “You could never set Coronation Street in a tower block,” he says.

On the page and in person, he describes with passion how “outrageous mistakes” were made in the postwar era as neighbourhoods were bulldozed and people were moved into tower blocks, where fear soon took hold, or were dispatched to new towns. An architectural class enraptured with visions of high-rise concrete creations suddenly had the opportunity to remake cities.

“In normal circumstances Le Corbusier and his followers would have been disregarded as elitist cranks,” he writes.

He remembers watching, as a journalist, as Manchester residents whose homes were listed for demolition gathered in halls: “We just saw these people being herded into buses in floods of tears with their cases… A month later, bulldozers move in and the whole area is totally flat.”

Smoke clouds as Motherwell’s Glencairn Tower was demolished (Image: PA)

Sir Simon is still taken aback by the “arrogance which defies belief” displayed by those in power who told ordinary people “this is the way to live now”. He considers it “extraordinary” that at a time of tight public finances the “British state could move millions of people to somewhere they did not want to live” – “Eighty to 90% of people who were rehoused in the modernist housing style of that period hated it. I mean, overwhelmingly hated it.”

The “real revolution” came, he says, when Covent Garden was under threat and residents fought back: “The fact is half the people living there knew how to make a row, and the row was titanic. I’ve just never forgotten it. It was basically, ‘Don’t destroy our village.’”

In sharp contrast, families have jumped at the chance to live in developments which celebrate traditional architecture. Dorset’s Poundbury estate, which took forward ideas and values championed by King Charles, is now home to 5,000 people and incorporates private and affordable housing. Sir Simon argues Poundbury’s success could be repeated throughout the nation.

“You can replicate that 1,000 times on brownfield sites all over Britain,” he says. “There’s no problem. It just needs the Government to want to do it.”

Sir Simon Jenkins at the desk where he wrote The Village in Britain: And Why Place Matters (Image: Humphrey Nemar)

 

Sir Simon, 83, has for years divided his time between his home in the heart of London and the Welsh coastal village of Aberdyfi.

“I’m a complete Londoner; I don’t pretend otherwise,” he admits. “But I’ve had Aberdyfi all my life, and it’s genuinely my second home.”

He argues that “informality and indiscipline” are the “essence” of a British village, as is the idea that every home and street corner is “different from every other and yet a part of the whole”.

“The degree to which planning and architecture have utterly failed in understanding what a village is cannot be underestimated,” he says.

Global celebrities now seek homes in countryside villages – “what were symbols of poverty are now symbols of wealth”. However, he argues that “being a member of a village in a city is much easier than being a member of a village in the country”.

It has been observed, he explains, that “villages are places where people have learned to live with people they don’t like”. While in an urban village you can “choose your neighbours who you’re going to get to know”, in a rural village “you can’t”.

Many rural communities have been dealt cruel blows with the closures of pubs. “There is no doubt they are very important local institutions, particularly for old people who who are lonely,” he says. “To be able to totter down and sit in the pub with your friends all day, it’s like an old people’s club.”

The hollowing-out of high streets is also a national concern, and Sir Simon argues that many European nations have much tighter planning controls. “The big disaster was allowing out-of-town shopping centres everywhere,” he says. “It was an absolute disaster… “Most of them are losing money. They’ve just messed up the countryside.”

Sir Simon Jenkins in 1976 (Image: Getty Images)

Sir Simon, who has chaired the National Trust, sees a vital role for local churches in community life. He argues the church is the “one building” that cannot be destroyed, and fully supports these being used as coffee bars, bookstores, parcel pickup sites and concert venues. Responsibility for the upkeep of churches could be transferred to the parish council, he argues, with people – in line with other European countries – given the opportunity to pay a voluntary “church rate”.

Sir Simon, who was born in Birmingham’s Bournville “model village”, founded by the Quaker Cadbury family, describes himself as a “fanatical localist”. He states that parish councils are “virtually powerless” while many urban neighbourhoods have “no representative councils of any sort”. A lifetime documenting the workings of power has convinced him “Parliament needs radical reform” – “I mean, the House of Lords is ridiculous – the fact that it takes so long to get laws through Parliament, and procedure mucks everything up.”

Scotland, he expects, will quit the United Kingdom. He points to how the Republic of Ireland has raced past Scotland in the prosperity stakes, arguing the “difference is it’s not ruled from London”. While struggling northern towns are in a “desperate” state, London is a “booming place” which “under-taxes itself”. Andy Burnham, he argues, “should have stopped this HS2 thing, which is just ridiculous – it’s a London project”.

Ultimately, he believes the sharing of space is key to human happiness and the village is needed more than ever. And if his book steers a new generation of town planners away from repeating the disasters of the past, a less lonely Britain may await.

As he puts it: “People are just desperate to talk to someone”

Britain’s Villages Provide the Key to a Happy Nation No Longer Scourged by Loneliness

Britain’s villages could hold the answer to one of the country’s most serious social problems: the growing epidemic of loneliness. While politicians frequently focus on economic growth, public spending and national infrastructure, an equally important question is being overlooked: how can Britain become a happier, more connected society?

Across the country, thousands of villages continue to demonstrate the importance of community spirit, neighbourly relationships and shared experiences. From traditional village pubs and community halls to local shops, churches and volunteer organisations, these places provide something that modern technology and financial prosperity cannot easily replace: a genuine sense of belonging.

For millions of people, loneliness has become an increasingly difficult part of everyday life. Older residents may spend days without meaningful conversation, young people can struggle to establish lasting friendships, and families living far away from relatives may find themselves increasingly isolated.

Yet Britain’s villages offer an alternative vision. They demonstrate how relatively small communities can create meaningful relationships and provide support that makes everyday life more enjoyable.

The question is whether the country can learn from these communities before the traditional village way of life disappears.

The Growing Loneliness Crisis

Loneliness is no longer an issue affecting only elderly people living alone. It can affect individuals of every age, background and financial situation.

People can experience loneliness even when surrounded by others. Modern working patterns, changing family structures and increasing dependence on digital communication have transformed the way people interact.

Many employees spend long hours working remotely, reducing opportunities for casual conversations with colleagues. Young adults may move away from their hometowns to find employment, leaving behind established friendships and family connections.

Meanwhile, older residents can find themselves increasingly isolated when they lose partners, experience mobility difficulties or no longer have access to reliable transport.

The consequences can be significant.

A lack of social connections can affect emotional wellbeing, confidence and overall quality of life. It can also make it more difficult for people to seek help when they encounter personal or financial problems.

This is why strengthening local communities should be considered an important national priority.

Why Britain’s Villages Are Different

One of the greatest strengths of traditional village life is the opportunity to develop relationships naturally.

In a village, residents are more likely to recognise familiar faces when visiting the local shop, walking through the centre or attending community events.

These everyday interactions may appear insignificant, but they can make a considerable difference to someone’s sense of belonging.

A friendly conversation with a neighbour, an invitation to a village gathering or simply knowing that someone will notice if you are absent can provide valuable reassurance.

Unlike large urban environments, where people can live alongside thousands of others without knowing their neighbours, villages often encourage stronger connections between residents.

This does not mean that every village is free from loneliness or social problems. Rural isolation is a genuine concern, particularly for people living far from essential services.

However, the traditional community structure offers important lessons about how social relationships can be maintained.

The Village Pub: More Than Just a Place to Drink

<PRIVATE_PERSON> One of the most recognisable features of British village life is the traditional pub.

For generations, village pubs have served as informal meeting places where residents can talk, exchange news and maintain friendships.

They are often venues for quiz nights, charity events, community celebrations and local meetings.

For someone living alone, visiting a familiar pub can provide an opportunity to interact with others without having to arrange a formal social occasion.

The importance of these establishments extends beyond their commercial value.

When a village pub closes, residents can lose one of the few remaining places where people from different generations and backgrounds regularly meet.

Britain has experienced significant pressure on traditional pubs because of rising operating costs, changing consumer habits and competition from larger hospitality businesses.

Protecting viable village pubs should therefore be considered part of a wider effort to preserve community life.

A successful pub can support local employment while providing a valuable social space.

Community Halls Bring People Together

Village halls are another important part of Britain’s community infrastructure.

They provide affordable spaces for activities that might otherwise be unavailable in smaller communities.

From exercise classes and craft groups to children’s activities and local celebrations, these buildings can bring residents together throughout the year.

They are particularly important for people who may struggle to access social activities elsewhere.

An elderly resident might attend a weekly coffee morning, while younger families could participate in seasonal events or children’s clubs.

These activities create opportunities for friendships to develop naturally.

They also allow residents to contribute their skills and experience.

Some people volunteer to organise events, others help maintain buildings, and many simply attend regularly and encourage their neighbours to participate.

The result is a stronger sense of shared responsibility.

Rather than relying entirely on government services, communities become active participants in improving their own quality of life.

Older People Must Not Be Forgotten

Loneliness among older people is one of the most pressing challenges facing Britain.

Many elderly residents have spent decades building relationships within their communities.

However, retirement, bereavement and declining mobility can gradually reduce their opportunities for social interaction.

For someone who has lost a partner, even ordinary activities such as shopping or attending a local event can become emotionally difficult.

Village communities can provide valuable support through informal networks.

Neighbours may check whether someone is well, help with shopping or offer transport to medical appointments.

Local volunteers can organise social gatherings and provide opportunities for older residents to remain active.

These relatively simple actions can make a substantial difference.

The Government and local authorities should recognise that preventing loneliness is not solely a healthcare issue.

It is also about ensuring that communities have accessible meeting places, reliable transport and opportunities for people to remain socially connected.

Young People Need Stronger Local Connections Too

Although loneliness is frequently associated with older generations, younger people can experience serious social isolation.

Young adults may leave rural communities to attend university or find employment in larger cities.

Those who remain may struggle with limited entertainment facilities, poor public transport and fewer opportunities to meet people with similar interests.

Social media can help maintain connections, but online communication does not always replace face-to-face relationships.

Villages need to create opportunities for younger generations to participate in community life.

Sports clubs, music groups, youth organisations and volunteer projects can provide valuable ways for young people to develop friendships and confidence.

They also help create stronger relationships between generations.

When younger residents feel that they have a meaningful role in their community, they are more likely to remain involved in local activities.

This can help preserve village traditions while allowing communities to adapt to changing lifestyles.

The Threat of Rural Isolation

Despite their many advantages, Britain’s villages are facing significant challenges.

Local shops, post offices, pubs and other essential services have closed in many rural areas.

Residents increasingly depend on cars to access supermarkets, healthcare facilities and employment opportunities.

For people who cannot drive, this can create serious difficulties.

A village without regular public transport may become particularly isolating for elderly residents and people with disabilities.

The closure of local services also reduces opportunities for everyday social interaction.

A visit to the post office or village shop might be one of the few occasions when someone living alone has a conversation with another person.

When these facilities disappear, the effects can extend far beyond convenience.

This is why rural transport, local services and community buildings should be treated as essential parts of a healthy society.

Can Technology Help Rebuild Community Spirit?

Technology is frequently blamed for weakening traditional relationships, but it can also provide useful solutions.

Community messaging groups can help residents organise events, share information and check on vulnerable neighbours.

Online platforms can connect people who have recently moved into an area and help them discover local activities.

Video calls can also make it easier for older residents to maintain relationships with family members who live far away.

However, technology should complement face-to-face interaction rather than replace it.

A village community cannot be built entirely through screens.

People still need places where they can meet, talk and develop genuine relationships.

The most successful communities are likely to combine modern communication with traditional social activities.

What Should the Government Do?

If Britain’s villages really do hold important lessons for tackling loneliness, policymakers should consider how to protect the infrastructure that makes community life possible.

First, local authorities should support the preservation of village halls, libraries, pubs and other community spaces.

Second, rural transport needs greater attention so that residents without cars can access essential services and social activities.

Third, voluntary organisations should receive appropriate support to organise activities for older people, young families and isolated residents.

Finally, planning decisions should recognise the importance of maintaining local facilities when new housing developments are approved.

Economic development and community wellbeing should not be treated as competing priorities.

A village needs employment opportunities and modern infrastructure, but it also needs places where residents can build relationships.

Investment in these areas could produce benefits extending well beyond the immediate community.

A Happier Britain Starts With Stronger Communities

The debate about loneliness raises a fundamental question about what makes a country successful.

Economic growth, modern technology and improved public services are all important.

However, a nation cannot be considered truly successful if large numbers of people feel disconnected from those around them.

Britain’s villages demonstrate that happiness is often found in relatively ordinary experiences.

It can be found in a neighbour offering help, a friendly conversation at the local shop, a community gathering or a familiar face at the village pub.

These experiences may not appear in economic statistics, but they contribute enormously to people’s quality of life.

They also remind us that strong communities are built through participation rather than simply government spending.

Conclusion

Britain’s villages offer an important lesson at a time when loneliness is becoming an increasingly serious social problem.

Their greatest strength is not their beautiful countryside or traditional architecture, but the relationships that connect the people who live there.

Village pubs, community halls, local shops and voluntary organisations all provide opportunities for residents to meet, support one another and develop a genuine sense of belonging.

However, these institutions cannot survive without support.

The closure of local services, inadequate transport and declining community facilities threaten the social connections that make rural life so valuable.

If Britain wants to become a happier and less isolated nation, it must recognise that community relationships are just as important as economic prosperity.

The answer to loneliness will not come from technology alone or another government announcement.

It will come from rebuilding the everyday places and relationships that allow people to feel valued, included and connected.

Ultimately, Britain’s villages remind us of something that modern society can easily forget: people do not simply need somewhere to live. They need somewhere they feel they belong.