All Saints Church - Leighton Buzzard- Beds - Gargoyles and Chimeras on Waymarking.com

There is evidence that the present church is at least the second to stand on the site. It is built in an early English style dating from the mid 13th century. The building is visible from all approaches to the town - the 190 foot broach spire dominating the roofline as can be seen in the illustration on the Leighton Buzzard home page.

The Church was severely damaged by fire in 1985. The fire happened just as a restoration programme was nearing completion. It destroyed most of the nave and chancel roofs and caused serious structural damage to the tower, spire, and the vestry areas and a number of the windows were damaged beyond repair. The ring of ten bells was lost as were both the organs. The total cost of the damage exceeded £1.5 million pounds (US$2.4 million dollars).

Within 24 hours of the blaze the congregation had begun its second restoration programme in as many years. The 15th century roofs, described as the church’s tour de force, have been repaired and the fine carvings of angels and saints which adorned them have been repaired or replaced. The spire has been stitched and relined with fresh stone. The tower has been stabilised with a massive internal ring beam.


The tower altar is of Totternhoe clunch limestone, like most of the church, and weighs 3.4 tons.

A new extension has been added on the north side to provide much needed meeting space. It contains a coffee shop as well as toilets, a chapel, vestry and meeting rooms. As you walk around the church look for the medieval graffiti on the pillars, including the famous Simon and Nell group in the south transept.

Water spout is used: yes Condition: Lightly Weathered

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