Astwick Church Repairs and Alterations

The church today is similar to illustrations from the early 19th century.  The roof is now covered in slate rather than tiles and the pitch has been lowered.  It is also likely that the windows have been renewed.

Most of the structural history of the church can be found in detail in Bedfordshire Historical Record Society Volume number 73 of 1994 Bedfordshire Churches in the Nineteenth Century: Part I: Parishes A to G, put together by former County Archivist Chris Pickford from numerous sources some held by Bedfordshire & Luton Archives & Records Service and some held elsewhere or published.

The interior was remodelled between 1823 and 1826.  The pulpit (two decker with reading desk), nave, the pews on the north side of the church and chancel screen all date from this period.  In 1836 the Royal Arms, Lord’s Prayer, Creed and Ten Commandments were put up but these have all since been removed.

The poor condition of the church was noted in 1876 and some minor repairs were carried out in 1887.  Regular piecemeal restoration seems to have taken place since then as the building has been patched many times with brick and tiles.  The 19th century roofs reuse the old timbers.  There are still some of the 15th century pews in the nave as well as 19th century box pews.