Penny Hassett: St David (Test)
Diocese of Borchester (Test)
Closed Church, 647009
Medieval
Overview
Grid reference: TL 99 454
This is a made up Medieval church that features in the Archers. It looks very nice from the photo but that is actually Church of All Saints, Church Lane, Little Staughton - Bedford. This is some additional text just to fill up space...
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
There are toilets, inc. disabled. There is disabled access to the church. The church has wifi so people can post selfies during services, weddings, etc.
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
The church is rectangular with a central nave, chancel and alter to the east, tower to the west, and entrance with a porch to the south.
There is a small devil's door on the north wall.
Dimensions:
48m x 22.5m x 36m
Description of Archaeology and History
There are existing elements of the church from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries.
There have been a number of ficticious archaecological excvation carried out at the church which have found material and small finds dating back to the 13th century.
Exterior Description
Grey stone building with clay tiled roof, and a large tower to the west, with a tall conical spire.
Building Fabric and Features
Baptistery
16th Century Incorporated in the body of the church
Historical Notes
1066 - 1539
Period Qualifier: 2
Probably 15th C
Chest Tomb
Early 15th Century Tomb of Sir Richard Bowman with effigy
Historical Notes
1410 - 1431
Period Qualifier: 2
Constructed at some time before 1431 when Sir Richard Bowman was interred here.
1460 - 1461
Period Qualifier: 1
The tomb was damaged and rebuilt and the effigy of Mary Bowman added.
Coffin Stone
Inscribed Stone
Roman Reused roman stonework
Lych Gate
Medieval A really nice lych gate
Cemetery
Historical Notes
1066 - 1250
Period Qualifier: 2
1067 - 1250
Period Qualifier: 2
1540 - 1680
Period Qualifier: 2
1541 - 1680
Period Qualifier: 2
Weather Vane
Modern Weather vane of roof of church
Historical Notes
1925 - N/A
Period Qualifier: 2
1935 - N/A
Period Qualifier: 1
Fixed and added extra chicken.
Bell Tower (monument)
17th Century
Cist
Building Materials
Tile
Granite
Historical Notes
-8000 - 1952
Period Qualifier: 2
Lead
Historical Notes
1920 - 1925
Period Qualifier: 2
1000 - 1986
Period Qualifier: 2
-1524 - 1986
Period Qualifier: 2
-5000 - 2005
Period Qualifier: 2
-8000 - 2025
Period Qualifier: 2
-8000 - 1925
Period Qualifier: 2
-4000 - 1928
Period Qualifier: 2
Alabaster
1578 Alabaster Lion
Historical Notes
N/A - N/A
Period Qualifier: 2
1085 - 1256
Period Qualifier: 3
Render
Post-Medieval Render to south wall.
Historical Notes
1895 - N/A
Period Qualifier: 2
Render
Evidences
Documentary Evidence
ancient blue
Architectural Component
Modern
Architectural Component
Documentary Evidence
Architectural Component
Conjectural Evidence
Interior
Interior Description
Entry to the Church is by the South Porch which was built in 14th century. On either side of the Porch entrance are two shields, the details of which have been lost. Other stone carvings, probably the heads of saints, have been defaced. A small niche over the door which would have contained the statue of a saint is empty. The porch is simple and typical of many country churches. The stone benches are well worn by villagers who over the centuries would have received instructions from their priest or spent a period of quiet rest and contemplation there - indeed, on a cold windy day, the local gravedigger would have sought shelter under its roof - perhaps he still does!
The doorway into the Church shows signs of weathering which suggests that it predates the porch. Four indebts in the stone half way up on the right hand side fit the four figures of the hand - were these perhaps made by a lost soul seeking entry to the church? The door to the Church itself probably dates back to 15th century.
Passing through this door way one enters the south aisle, which was built in 14th century. On the right hand side are the national flags of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa Airforce and the RAF proudly displayed before a simple wooden cabinet which contains the RAF Book of Remembrance for the members of No. 109 and No. 582 Squadrons (the Path Finders) who flew from Little Staughton and lost their lives. Further on, on the right hand side, on the wall of the south aisle, is a stone memorial to the Squadrons. Beyond that is the altar of the side chapel which has a plain blue frontal with a stylised eagle in the centre which was donated to the Church by the "Pathfinders" Association.
Looking to the left, there are some remnants of simple 18th century pews at the rear of the south aisle and attached to one is a small alms box or poor box on a baluster pedestal of the same period. If one looks carefully at it, one can see that it has been fitted with two locks - no doubt to ensure that a single key holder was not "lead into temptation"!
Fixtures and fittings
Alcove
Medieval A nice niche
Historical Notes
1066 - N/A
Period Qualifier: 2
Alcove
Now
Historical Notes
1066 - N/A
Period Qualifier: 2
-8000 - 1562
Period Qualifier: 2
Wall Painting
Historical Notes
1600 - N/A
Period Qualifier: 2
Portable Furnishings and Artworks
Used by professor Plum to kill Miss Scarlet
Churchyard
Grid reference: TL 99 454
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
The churchyard has been used for burial.
The churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard is closed for burial by order in council.
The date of the burial closure order is 1st December 1978
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Churchyard Structures
Dedication Stone
15th Century There is a dedication stone in the churchyard just outside the porch entrance. This stone may have been removed from the original church during the 16th century renovations.
High Cross
9th or early 10th Century 2.4m high slender Anglo-Saxon high cross
Shrine (monument)
Historical Notes
1756 - N/A
Period Qualifier: 3
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
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