the coaching era, only two public houses now remain in the village: the Plume of Feathers and the Swan. The White Hart closed in the early 1970s, followed by the Red Lion at the end of 2009 and Sun Inn in 2014, all of which became private dwellings. A micro-pub 'the Local' opened within the village in 2016. Being near the M1 motorway and Luton Airport, there is a large three-star Holiday Inn hotel just south-east of the village. Markyate has four Indian restaurants including Saffron (on the A5183) plus The Pavilion, Markyate Tandoori, and Markyate Spice all on the High Street, with the latter being named Best Chef at the Curry Life Awards 2018. There has also been a fish and chips shop in the village since the 1960s. Markyate also offers a gym, a pharmacy and doctors' surgery, a general store, and a bakers. Notable residents Christina of Markyate, a 12th-century nun and mystic William Cowper (1731-1800), poet and hymnwriter, who was sent to boarding school here between the ages of four and eight years old. He is best known for writing the lines God Moves in a Mysterious Way, His Wonders to Perform. Lady Katherine Ferrers, according to popular legend, the "Wicked Lady", a 17th-century highwaywoman. Nicholas Lyell, Baron Lyell of Markyate, British Conservative politician and Attorney General. Chris White, bass player and songwriter of the Zombies rock group, grew up in the village, where his parents owned a grocery store. Sir Charles Masefield, head of DESO (1994-1998) vice chairman of BAE (2002-2005?) and a trustee of the Qatar Foundation. Knighted in 1997 for services to industry. Martin Benson (10 August 1918 – 28 February 2010) was an English character actor, who appeared in films, theatre and television. He appeared in both British and Hollywood productions. He lived and died in the village. Andy King (14 August 1956 – 27 May 2015) an English professional footballer and manager. He was capped twice by England at Under-21 level and made a total of 195 appearances for Everton. Nathan Jones. Retired professional footballer and manager of Luton Town External links Markyate Cricket and Football Club Markyate Surgery Markyate Parish Council Primary school Markyate Local History Society Markyate Amateur Dramatics Society (MADS) Humbershoe pages at the Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Records Service Village history (A Guide to Old Hertfordshire) Christina of Markyate Pictures from Geograph TL0616 References Villages in