St. Leonard, Grendon Underwood, Buckinghamshire

Description

The parish church of St. Leonard is an ancient building of mixed styles, and consists of a chancel, nave, and an embattled western tower with turret containing 3 bells, dated 1621, 1644 and 1677: the edifice dates from the latter half of the 12th century, with the exception of the tower, which is of the 15th century, and the chancel, which is of the early part of the 14th century: the interior was restored in 1866, when a five-light window, carefully renewed from the mutilated remains of its predecessor, was placed at the east end; the nave roof was also repaired, an open-timbered roof placed over the chancel, the chancel arch restored and the fittings in the chancel renewed; the pulpit, dated 1620, was set up afresh on a pedestal of Bath stone, and the font repaired in a similar manner; the nave was seated with oak benches and a lectern introduced: in 1902 the exterior was restored: an organ was provided in 1914: the church contains monuments to Lord and Lady Saye and Sele and to the family of Pigott: in the chancel and nave are piscinae in good preservation; and on the south side is a doorway of 1220: the church plate includes a cup dated 1569 and a paten dated 1570. There are 150 sittings.

Church Records

The parish register dates from the year 1560 for marriages and 1592 for burials and baptisms.