Elstow
Saint Mary and Saint Helena

Places > Elstow > Churches

The present church is a fragment of the nave of the church belonging to a Benedictine nunnery founded by Judith, the niece of William the Conqueror in about 1075.

After the suppression of the foundation in 1539 the remaining parts were adapted for parish use, the east end and the west window being completed in 1580. The monastic remains include the so-called Chapter House, a vaulted chamber at the south west of the church now used as a vestry. The detached tower or belfry to the north of the church is said to be of 15th century.

The church was thoroughly restored between 1880-1882 by Thomas Jackson the Bedford architect at a cost of 14,000 by Samuel Whitbread. The south aisle was virtually rebuilt and great alerted, parts of the nave and clerestory were taken down and rebuilt and the church was completely re-roofed and reseated. 

Sources

• The Newspaper Cuttings Collection, Local Studies Library, Bedford Central Library.

• PICKFORD, C.  Bedfordshire Churches in the 19^th Century Pary 1 A-G BHRS Vol.73 1994

Saint Mary and Saint Helena Church, Elstow by Bedfordshire Libraries, 2011

Page last updated: 27th January 2014