Five Bells pub, Eaton Bray
Five Bells pub, Eaton Bray

This village at the foot of the Dunstable Downs was once known as Eitone, or "Island Settlement", a reference to the streams that surround it.

After the Norman invasion, Eitone manor was given by William the Conqueror to his half-brother, Bishop Odo of Bayeux. Unfortunately, the two argued, William had Odo imprisoned and the manor reverted to the crown.

Eventually, the manor ended up in the hands of Sir William de Cantilupe, who began the fine church of St. Mary the Virgin. Cantilupe also built a moated castle here in 1221. Little remains of the castle beyond traces of the moat ditch and earthworks near Park Farm.

Eitone remained in the possession of Cantilupe's descendants until the Wars of the Roses when John de la Zouche had the misfortune to support the losing side at the Battle of Bosworth. Henry VII gave the manor to his own supporter, one Reginald Bray. It was Bray who is said to have placed Richard III's crown upon Henry's head after the battle.

Bray helped rebuild St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, but he was also responsible for expanding the church at Eitone, which henceforth became Eiton Bray, and later, Eaton Bray.

In the church is the tomb of Jane, Lady Bray, who married Reginald's nephew Edmund. Her funerary brass used to grace the tomb of an abbot or bishop, from whence it was taken during the Reformation. Lady Jane is portrayed in prayer with her son and ten daughters.

About Eaton Bray
Address: Eaton Bray, Bedfordshire, England
Attraction Type: Town
Location map
OS: SP970 207
Photo Credit: Rob Farrow, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence


HERITAGE

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NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest

Eaton Bray, St Mary the Virgin Church - 0.2 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Edlesborough, St Mary's Church - 1 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate - 2.3 miles (Countryside) Heritage Rating

Whipsnade Zoo - 2.9 miles (Family Attraction) Heritage Rating

Whipsnade Tree Cathedral - 2.9 miles (Cathedral) Heritage Rating

Ford End Watermill - 3.2 miles (Historic Building) Heritage Rating

Dunstable Priory - 3.2 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Ivinghoe, St Mary's Church - 3.2 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating



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