The 13c. church of St. Nicholas, Great Kimble, has an unusual place in English history.  It can be said that the English Civil War started here in 1637 when John Hampden refused to pay Ship Money to the King's tax collectors.  In recent times, its proximity to Chequers, the country residence of the British Prime Minister, has led to visits by notable figures such as a John Major, Tony Blair and Boris Yeltsin. (Well, actually, they visited the Russel Arms pub across the road!)