England
Bedfordshire

All Saints, Leighton Buzzard

The 13th century edifice of All Saints Church is the second church to stand on this site. The most striking part of the church as you approach it is the spire, which juts upward to a height of 190 feet. The sundials are from the 16th century, though the gargoyles cavorting about the exterior were added in mid-Victorian times.

Before entering the church, spare a glance for the west door. The wood of the door is modern, but the fanciful iron braces are original 13th century, created by Thomas of Leighton, who was also responsible for the screen at the tomb of Queen Eleanor in Westminster Cathedral.

In the interior, the eagle lecturn is worth noting; it dates to the original building of the church in the 13th century, and is one of the earliest of this common lecturn motif in England. The 14th century choir stalls may have come from St. Alban's Abbey. Look for the carved misericords.

On the south west pier is carved a depiction of a woman waving a spoon at a man. These figures may represent an elderly couple, Simon and Nellie, supposed originators of the Simnel cake.

All Saints was badly damaged by a fire in 1985, but has been sympathetically restored, and the 15th century nave roof, with its carved wooden angels, has been returned to its former glory. The roof was the gift of Alice de la Pole, Duchess of Suffolk, who owned Leighton manor from 1465-75.

Related:
Leighton Buzzard

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