Timeline of Events in Renhold

1229: Earliest recorded Vicar, Geoffrey De Ranhal.

14th Century: The church dates mainly from the 14th century, the west tower was built in the 15th century; the church has a Norman font.

c.1492: George Joye, author of the first prayer book printed in English born at Salph End, Renhold.

1624: Sir William Becher purchases Howbury Hall.

1657: Church bells recast and rehung in a new bell frame.

1781: Nathaniel Polhill, prominent banker and tobacco merchant of Southwark purchases Howbury Hall.

1847: The greater part of the Hall is burnt down, leaving only the kitchen quarters. The Gentleman's Magazine of May 1847 gives the following report of the fire. "Howbury Hall was destroyed by fire, in consequence of a bricklayer, who was repairing the roof of the building, having imprudently lighted a fire to drive out some bees. The left wing was burnt to the ground, nothing remaining but the stack of chimneys. The right wing is standing though considerable damaged". The main apartments were rebuilt in the style of the period.

1865: Village school opened.

1869: Clay pits opened to take advantage of a building boom and to offer work to local inhabitants.

1873: Baptist Chapel built and opened on Sunday 16th September.

1919: War Memorial erected, it was paid for by public subscription and located in front of the old school.

1923: Renhold WI formed.

1966: Memorial window in the church to the Simons family, farmers in the parish for over half a century dedicated.

1977: New school building opened for Renhold Lower School.