St Francis of Assisi
Shefford, Bedfordshire
The highlight of a visit is to the Sanctuary to view the fine triptych reredos with covered cornice and panels of saints and inscriptions recording incumbents and donors.
Established as a chapel of ease to the nearest parish church in Campton in the 14/15th century, St Michael & All Angels remained a chapel of ease until the parish was created in 1903.
The church consists of the original nave and a south aisle, divided from the nave by an arcade, and a west tower. With the exception of the west tower the church has been entirely rebuilt in modern times. The enlargement to the east end included a chancel and communion table, and the first communion service was celebrated in 1853.
The interior is plain, with a little late 19th and early 20th century glass, and roofs by Mallows and Grocock of 1907. The organ is the first built by M I Forsyth Grant. In the first part of the twentieth century the original arcade was rebuilt concealing the iron Railway Architecture with stone pillars.
The historical significance of the church lies in the tower. Stonework at the lower levels of the tower date to the early 15th century. St Michael’s tower has stood in its present location since the early 1400s and is the oldest remaining building in Shefford.
The tower contains a single bell.
