St. Mary, Salford, Bedfordshire

Description

The church of St. Mary, restored in 1867, under the direction of Mr. W. White, is an edifice of interesting character, in the Early Decorated style, with traces of 11th century work, consisting of chancel, nave, south aisle and an open western belfrey of oak, placed outside the church and containing 3 bells: the former tower, a modern brick structure, was removed on the repair of the church: the nave is divided from the aisle, by an arcade of four curious piers of Early character: in the south aisle is a piscina, and a flat recessed arch, richly cusped and crocketed, within which, on a low altar-tomb, is the recumbent effigy, cross-legged, of a warrior: there is also a large coped altar tomb, the top of which is incised with a cross; a third and very similar tomb, with a flat top, bears thereon also a cross with pendent shield: there is a brass, with effigies, to John Peddar, 1505, his wife Alice, and 12 children: several Early stone coffins have been found: a new vestry has been erected and memorial window placed to the late Rev. B. Chernocke Smith B.A. rector and vicar of Hulcote with Salford, 1865-88: there are sittings for 180 persons.

Church Records

The parish register of baptisms and burials dates from the year 1558; marriages, 1561.