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CLIFTON, a parish in the hundred Of CLIFTON, county of BEDFORD, 1½ mile (E. by N.) from Shefford, containing 483 inhabitants. The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry of Bedford, and diocese of Lincoln, rated in the kings books at £20.2.11., and in the patronage of the Rev. D.J. Olivier. The church, dedicated to All Saints, contains some ancient monumental brasses, and a fine altar-tomb in memory of Sir Michael Fisher, who died lord of the minor in 1549. The river Ivel, lately made navigable, runs through the parish. There is a day and Sunday school, founded and endowed in 1827, by the late rector, the Rev. D. S. Olivier, for eighteen children.
[A Topographical Dictionary of England - Samuel Lewis - 1831]
The 1851 Census Index for Clifton can be found in the 1851 Index to Census of Bedfordshire, Volume 3, Book 3 available from the Bedfordshire Family History Society.
Church of England
The church of All Saints is an edifice of sandstone in the Decorated and Perpendicular styles, consisting of chancel, nave, north aisle, and an embattled western tower, with a turret; at the north-east angle, and containing a clock and 15 bells, 8 of which are hung for ringing and the rest for chimes : the church was thoroughly restored and enlarged in the year 1862, and reopened 23rd April, 1863, by the late H. Miles esq. at a cost of about £3,000: the stone reredos is divided by shafts of Devonshire marble, into panels, the centre panel representing "The Crucifixion," executed in relief, and those on either side containing figures of St. Peter and St. Paul: the pulpit is of carved alabaster, inlaid with marble : over the chancel arch is a "Majesty," in mosaic work : the west window and others are stained; there is an alabaster tomb to Sir Michael and Lady Fysher, beneath which and immediately beside it are effigies in incised brass of John, son of Sir Michael, ob. 1528, and his wife: the former being in plate armour worn over a hauberk. Some portions of what has been supposed by some to have been a rood loft, and by others a parclose screen originally surrounding Sir Michael's tomb; with paintings of saints, are now tied on the north and south internal walls of the tower: there is a small and curious crypt at the south-east corner of the nave; over the porch is a canopied niche with figure of the Good Shepherd. The register dates from the year 1538.
[Kelly's Directory - Bedfordshire - 1898]
Non-conformist
The Particular Baptist chapel was erected in 1853 by voluntary contributions. The New Baptist chapel was erected in 1883, is a building of brick and will seat 150.
[Kelly's Directory - Bedfordshire - 1898]
The parish record transcripts for All Saints are available on microfiche for the period 1538-1812 from the Bedfordshire Family History Society.
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[Last updated 5 May 2003 Martin Edwards]