[3]) The original form, recorded—for example—in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of 966, was Hlincgelad; then linchlade, pronounced lince-lade but by the time of the Domesday Book, in 1086, it had become Lincelada.

This transpired after massive growth associated with the construction of the Grand Union Canal and—particularly—the London and Birmingham Railway (now known as the West Coast Main Line).

In 1251 a royal charter was granted to William de Beauchamp to hold a weekly market in Linslade, as well as a yearly 8-day fair.

This grant was made on account of a Holy Well or Spring, located to the north of the village, which was a site of major pilgrimage.

The holy well, which was a fabricated miracle to bring souls to the shrinking congregation of Old Linslade, was where the canal is sited today not far from the church.

In 1299, however, Oliver Sutton, Bishop of Lincoln, warned pilgrims off by threatening those who did not desist with excommunication.

[6] The vicar of Linslade—who did not dissuade the pilgrimages from visiting the spring because of the offerings they made—was forced to appear at the bishop's court.

At the beginning of the 19th century the parish population was 203, but in 1805 the Grand Union Canal was opened on the Linslade side of the River Ouzel, and in 1838 the London and Birmingham Railway (later the West Coast Main Line) was built running roughly parallel to the canal.

The new development was initially known as Chelsea New Town or New Linslade, and it lined the streets leading towards the bridges across the canal and River Ouzel into Leighton Buzzard.

The town council is based at the White House on Hockliffe Street in Leighton Buzzard.

Leighton-Linslade Urban District only existed for nine years; it was abolished in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972.

Bedfordshire operates a three-tier education system, with lower, middle and upper schools.

The 1970s expansion added one community centre on Bideford Green, run by a Residents Association; this includes a small bar.

This can be hired out for public use, and is used for dance lessons, Zumba and martial arts, as well as a polling station.

Linslade has two play areas and parks at Mentmore Road on the way to Cedars School and St Barnabas opposite the railway station.