Originally called simply Pear-tree, the village owes its name to the de Pavelli family.[3]
It is referred to in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Paveli's Peri – a reference to orchards in the area and the lord of the manor Paveli. It was the birthplace in 1761 of William Carey, son of a weaver, who first established the Protestant mission in India.
In the 1800s, the place was known as Pauler's Perry.
Paulerspury has known significant historical events. Although the site of the final battle of Queen Boudicca is not confirmed, one of the three locations believed most likely is Cuttle Mill in Paulerspury. During Elizabethan times, the lords of the manor, the Throckmortons[4] became prominent nobles, and local legend has it that the Queen and her favourite Sir Walter Raleigh stayed in the village (which led to the marriage of Bess Throckmorton to Sir Walter). The restored church has a Norman font and displays good Early English work. The effigies of Sir Arthur Throckmorton (1626) and his lady lie on a long tomb. There are also two rare wooden figures, representing Sir Laurence de Paveley (1329) and his wife.
During the Industrial Revolution, little industry developed in the area, it mostly being an agricultural community, and the main produce other than agriculture was lace. It has been claimed that Queen Victoria favoured Paulespury lace. This led to an impoverished community as lacemaking was superseded by mass-produced textiles. This is in stark contrast to the village of today, which is a wealthy commuter village for Milton Keynes and London.
Governance
The village has an elected Parish Council.[5] It is in South Northamptonshire parliamentary constituency.
Amenities
Paulerspury has a Church of England primary school,[6] and the Barley Mow pub. It is the home of the Grafton Hunt and the headquarters of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club.