News Archive - August 2009

Priory Luton Road House Group

An account from a member of the Priory Luton Road House Group following their tour of St Mary's Church in July. Originally published in the local Team Spirit magazine.

On a warm Summer evening in July the group members met at St Mary's Church in Eaton Bray to hear the fascinating history of the Church and village given by Barbara Marriage.

In summary we learned of the ancient village named Etone (meaning 'water' it is believed) in which Sir Richard Bray, an associate of the King (one of the Henry's I think!) decided to endow and add to the size of the small local Church by adding bays and clerestories. The increase in local agriculture, quarrying and other industries resulted in the eventual change of name to Eaton Bray.

As a footnote it was said that the increased influence of the enlarged village Church over against the pilgrim trade of Dunstable Priory was viewed with some concern by the Priors.

After Barbara's interesting discourse, which we enjoyed while sitting in the comfortable modern pews in the lovely and well appointed Nave we left, with many thanks, for the next stage of our evening outing.

This was to be at Totternhoe Church which has a long Nave dominated by a modern stained glass East window representing the Tree of Life, designed by John Piper. The church has many large plain glass windows and, due to the white lime-washed walls and pillars, this creates a very plain but light atmosphere. The ancient wooden pews have been retained and what we gain in historical interest we lose in creature comfort!

We were blessed with an excellent lecture on the church's history and, as we left, a group of bell ringers arrived and began their weekly practice. It is good to see that many ancient village churches are still centres of social and religious activity in our modern days.

Thanks are due to Viv Evans and her local history associates and the evening was completed with a convivial meal at the Hunters Lodge at Whipsnade.

The occasion was just one of the monthly meetings of the Group which is very efficiently organised by our Secretary Frances Forder supported by the Treasurer Pat Knight.

-- Ray Bryant

If you would like to tour St Mary's Church, please see the Church Tours page for more details of when the church is open.

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