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100 Years of Change Millennium Book

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CHURCH OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, EDLESBOROUGH

The Closure of Edlesborough Church 1975

Alone it stands, but there for all to see,
for years to come, when we have passed
the weathered stones will stand on high,
and sun will light the coloured glass
like stars which shine above it's ageing tower.
Let not the silent bells and empty pews
deter our thoughts from days of yore,
when fire and tempest wrecked this sacred house-
yet still it stands in beauty as before.
The place of rest for those we loved is there,
in front the cross to those who died to keep us free.
Beyond-the Chalk Hills stand matured by time-
wild birds their wings outstretched in flight we'll see.
And so before our eyes the clouds will pass,
like thoughts in life which we and others share.
Before we lose this theme of thought-
we'll stand and wonder there.
The winding paths will lead so many more
to gaze in rapture at it's beauty still,
for all's not lost because the doors are closed,
it's presence there will still our memories fill-
and those who worshipped there-may worship still.

The Church situated in Buckinghamshire where the three counties Beds. Bucks. and Herts. meet on the edge of the Chilterns,is perched on a hill, dates from the 13th Century with lovely views across Dunstable Downs, from Whipsnade Zoo to Ivinghoe Beacon. It's rugged walls are built of grey Totternhoe Stone, quarried some two miles away.

Roy Tricker's 1994 brochure talking about the age of the church says "Like most mediaeval churches, we see in St. Mary's craftsmanship of many different dates, as people from a variety of periods and Christian traditions have altered, enlarged and beautified it…".

The earliest parts of the church date from the late 1200's. The Chantry of Our Lady and All Saints was founded in 1338 but this was considerably altered in the 1400's. The tower was added about 1340.

Craftsmen in the 1400's were responsible for much of the present appearance and character, heightening the nave walls, re-roofing, crowning its walls with embattled parapets and making new perpendicular windows. They also fashioned the font, screen, pulpit and stalls, all of which survived the alterations of the Reformers in the mid 1500's and the Puritans in the 1640's. It was during the 1700's the church was equipped with a western gallery and box-pews.

On 28th March 1828 lightening struck the crown of thorns and weathercock at the top of the lead covered spire. The ensuing fire burned for some 12 hours. Molten lead poured down, the spire, bells and everything combustible in the tower was destroyed. Fortunately the skill of fire fighters, assisted by local people, prevented the fire spreading to the body of the church.

The repairs of the church continued for many years. The bells were recast from the same metal that was so lovingly cast by Thomas Rufford, and son, those hundreds of years previously, and hung, but the spire was never replaced. A piece of timber rescued from the fire was later made into a lectern for 4.6s.1½d. (about £4.30p today)! The lectern remains today as a memory of the unfortunate incident; it bears the inscription "EREPTUM EX IGNE"- Snatched From the Burning.

Major restorations took place between 1867 and 1899 and included the west gallery and box pews being removed and replaced with benches of pine, the screen being given its present colouring, the south aisle being re-roofed, and the nave walls being decorated by paintings.

At the expense of Lord Brownlow of Ashridge in 1874 there was a thorough restoration of the chancel. During the 1900's much was done to conserve and repair the church. However in 1975 it retired from full-time employment as a parish church and in 1977 it was vested in the Redundant Churches Fund. The Church of St. Mary is now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust for preservation.

There is much for visitors to explore in this historic building including: The Nave and North Aisle, the South Aisle, The Tower, North Transept (Rufford) Chapel, Chancel and last, but by no means least, the Brasses, some of which are unique and in excellent condition.

CHURCH OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, EDLESBOROUGH
	The Closure of Edlesborough Church 1975
	Alone it stands, but there for all to see, for years to come, when we have passed the weathered stones will stand on high, and sun will light the coloured glass like stars which shine above it's ageing tower. Let not the silent bells and empty pews deter our thoughts from days of yore, when fire and tempest wrecked this sacred house- yet still it stands in beauty as before. The place of rest for those we loved is there, in front the cross to those who died to keep us free. Beyond-the Chalk Hills stand matured by time- wild birds their wings outstretched in flight we'll see. And so before our eyes the clouds will pass, like thoughts in life which we and others share. Before we lose this theme of thought- we'll stand and wonder there. The winding paths will lead so many more to gaze in rapture at it's beauty still, for all's not lost because the doors are closed, it's presence there will still our memories fill- and those who worshipped there-may worship still.