The parish church is all that is left of a larger monastic church begun in 1078. It overlooks the village green, as does Moot Hall, a picturesque 15th century building of brick and timber which now houses a museum of 17th century life with a focus on the life and career of John Bunyan.
The name "Elstow" derives from "Helen Stow" or St. Helena's stockade. The St. Helena in question was the mother of the Emperor Constantine and patron saint of the nunnery founded here in 1075 by Judith, niece of William the Conqueror.








