St. Peter's derives its "surname" Merton from Merton Priory, in Surrey, which owned the church. The church was founded in 1117 by Gilbert the Norman, one-time sheriff of Surrey, Cambridge and Huntingdon, and godson of Henry I.
The original building was late Saxon. Remains of that early building are still to be found; parts of the chancel were contained in the original nave of the Saxon church. Quoins in the chancel and beside the west arch are also pre-Conquest.
The Norman south door is an impressive import from another Bedford church, St Peter de Dunstable, which was torn down in 1545.
Related:
Bedfordshire Churches
Bedford
About St. Peter, Bedford
Address: St. Peter's Street,
Bedford,
Bedfordshire,
England, MK40 2TR
Attraction Type: Historic Church
Website: St. Peter, Bedford
Location
map
OS: TL050 505
Photo Credit: N Chadwick, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
HERITAGE
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Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
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