Bedfordshire
Contents 
Nearby Places
Nearby churches
BATTLESDEN, a parish in the hundred of MANSHEAD, county of BEDFORD, 3 miles (S. S. E.) from Woburn, containing 151 inhabitants. The living is a rectory, with that of Potsgrove annexed, in the archdeaconry of Bedford, and diocese of Lincoln, rated in the kings books at £12.9.7., and in the patronage of Sir G. P. Turner, Bart. The church is dedicated to St. Peter. This place affords the title of baron to Earl Bathurst.
[A Topographical Dictionary of England - Samuel Lewis - 1831]
The 1851 Census Index for Battlesden can be found in the 1851 Index to Census of Bedfordshire, Volume 5, Book 1 available from the Bedfordshire Family History Society.
The church of St. Peter is an interesting structure of the 15th century, chiefly Perpendicular, and consisting of chancel and nave and an embattled western tower containing 3 bells: in 1868 the chancel was re-covered with a pointed roof in place of the old debased Tudor roof, and the nave restored and reseated: on each side of the east window are two fine brackets, slightly varying, with figures of angels with wings displayed: the font is Early English: here are monuments to the Duncombes, and a memorial window to the Page-Turner family: in 1898 the tower was repaired, and new battlements placed around the church: there are 80 sittings. The register dates from the year 1719.
[Kelly's Directory - Bedfordshire - 1898]
The parish record transcripts for St Peter are available on microfiche for the period 1719-1812 from the Bedfordshire Family History Society.
Find help, report problems, and contribute information.
[Last updated 4 June 2003 Martin Edwards]