Chalgrave
Timeline

Places > Chalgrave

12th Century: Chalgrave Church built in the early part of this century, the church was dedicated in 1220. The isolation of the church today is due to its predecessor's origins as a manorial church and not because any associated village has disappeared.

12th Century: Motte and Bailey Castle built in mid century, abandoned as a residence in the early 13th century.

1386: Sir Nigel Loring died and his tomb may be that of a Knight in Chalgrave Church bearing the name Loring. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle immortalised Sir Nigel in "The White Company" and "Sir Nigel".

1800: Chalgrave Enclosure Act.

1889: During a severe storm the top section of the church tower crashed through the roof into the west end of the nave and for the rest of the century the church was shut.

1931: Repairs carried out and the church was fully re-opened.

1932: One of the finest series of medieval wall paintings in England was discovered in the church, the designs include saints, biblical scenes and other decorations. The walls of most churches in England were, up to the time of the Reformation  covered with paintings but destruction, obliteration, neglect and decay took its toll over the centuries. Between 1932 and 1934 a full uncovering was undertaken under the direction of Professor Tristam.

1949: The Village Hall opened.

1989: The sum of 22,000 spent on church restoration.

Sources:

• The newspapers cuttings collection at Bedford Central Library

• PICKFORD, Christopher  Bedfordshire Churches in the 19th Century Vol.73 1994  Bedfordshire Historical Record Society. 1994

• COLEMAN, S.  Chalgrave.  1986.

Page last updated: 23rd January 2014